Charities Are The Winners In Thrilling Ice Hockey Match

Over £2000 was raised for two worthy causes on Saturday night at the ice hockey match between Blackpool Seagulls (in blue) and the UK Firefighters team (in white).

It was the first home match in almost 20 years for the Blackpool Seagulls who have recently reformed as a recreational side to play challenge matches for fun against other like-minded clubs and the event attracted a - so far - record 260 crowd at the recently opened Sub Zero Ice Arena at Cleveleys.

The Blackpool Seagulls chose CHILDREN with CANCER as their charity for the evening while the UK Firefighters Team selected HELP FOR HEROES.

All the entrance money collected on the night went straight into the donation pot, along with revenue from merchandise sales, programmes, fun games for spectators and collection buckets around the rink.
Match referee Mr McKenzie also kindly donated part of his match fee to the cause.

Barclays Bank very generously offered to match pound for pound all funds raised on the night. The final count came to £1073.71, meaning that, after adding Barclays' contribution, a grand total of  £2.147, 42p  was raised overall to be split between the two charities.

Game Co-Ordinator Peter Bleackley said: "A massive thanks to the hundreds of fans who came to support us. Big thanks to the Seagulls and UK Firefighters who played an excellent game of hockey and thanks to all who helped in putting this event on for charity."

To find out more about CHILDREN with CANCER, check out their website here: www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk

To find out more about HELP FOR HEROES, look here: www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Blackpool Seagulls great new official website can be viewed here: www.blackpoolseagulls.co.uk

Photos by Adam Tranter
Top: Both teams after the match with their charity presentation cheques
Bottom: Katie and Chloe won a Seagulls shirt after their "Chuck a Puck" attempt went closest to the centre spot.