Salah-brations were in order after Well Wishers FC played against Homeserve FC in a charity football match – and won!

The team was due to be a part of a big fundraising football tournament at Banks’s Stadium in Walsall last year organised by Homeserve which had chosen Well Wishers charity football team as its charity partners. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, however, this event was cancelled.

This year, they competed in a behind closed doors match to raise some money for charity thanks to the huge efforts of Homeserve events organiser Lee Boyce.

Although no spectators were allowed, Well Wishers was well supported by Fundraising Manager Georgie Westley, Senior Communications Manager Tina Faulkner and Patient Experience Administrator Chloe Danks who made up their own Well Wishers chants throughout!

Well Wishers FC player Ben Malpass, Digital Communications Apprentice, said:

“The first 45 minutes were dominated by Well Wishers FC but a couple of lapses in concentration meant that Homeserve went into the break 2-0 up. We got together at half time and were disappointed to be losing.

“A slight change in our style of play gave us the upper hand in the second half and some very nice play gave Cody Harper, Digital Marketing Apprentice with the CCG, the opportunity to get one back for Well Wishers.

“At 2-1 Well Wishers had numerous opportunities to get level but it took until 20 minutes before the full time whistle when I slipped a ball through to Lewan Tobin, our former Estates colleagues, who finished off nicely.

“At 2-2 we were in control but time was against them. A long ball from the back fell to a Homeserve player who unfortunately put the ball into his own net just before the final whistle.

“Well Wishers dominated the game throughout and on another day could have easily won by more. A massive well done to all the players/staff involved.”

Georgie Westley added:

“Both teams played extremely well and it was a really enjoyable game! Unfortunately for Homeserve they were outclassed by some very talented players but we look forward to the rematch next year at their planned charity event. It’s been great to raise some money for the charity and we hope other offers of matches against our team come forward.

“Thank you to both teams for taking the opportunity to raise £170 for Well Wishers and a huge thanks to Homeserve for allowing us this opportunity and especially Lee Boyce who arranged it with Bank’s Stadium.

“I also want to thank our Well Wishers charity Patron Martin Gethin for supporting and also Gina Gethin for taking some super photos which will be shared on our social media and website.”

Anyone interested in putting on a charity match raising funds for Well Wishers? Please contact the fundraising team at fundraising@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk or call 01922 656643.

Please note the team photo above was taken within current guidelines.