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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

A doggone good day: charity football match raises funds for pups

Kind-hearted staff members from two local businesses organised and played in a charity football match on Saturday to raise money for Guide Dogs – and got a surprise visit from some puppies in training as a thank-you

Kind-hearted staff members from two local businesses organised and played in a charity football match on Saturday to raise money for Guide Dogs – and got a surprise visit from some puppies in training as a thank-you.

Staff from Athona Recruitment and Microdec, both based in Warley Business Park, Brentwood, raised over £1,000 by playing their second annual charity football match at Brentwood Town FC.

The match, which was won 7-1 by Athona, was refereed by England under-21 referee Andy Simmons. But he was overshadowed when the guide puppies in training turned up with their handlers, and solemnly went down each line to meet and greet each of the players.

Completing the day’s fun were a BBQ, a crossbar challenge and a raffle with prizes organised by Microdec and donated by Lawson’s Sandwich Shop, UK Football Camps and Calcott Hall Farm Shop.

Stewart London, Athona’s MD, said, “This was a great day for a great cause. Hats off to all of the organisers and players, both at Athona and Microdec, who selflessly put in time and effort to try to make a difference to people’s lives. Who knows, next year, we might get Roy Hodgson down to talent scout!”

The Guide Dogs is one of two charities Athona is fundraising for this year; the other is Saint Francis Hospice.

Last year’s match raised funds for Little Havens children’s hospice and Athona ran out winners, 5-1.