Match raises £1,800 for good causes
An annual cricket match in memory of a much-loved sports fan has once again proved a catch for charity.
At least £1,800 will be divided between two worthy causes following the event to honour avid football and cricket follower George “The Podge” Summerside.
Married-father-of-two George, from the Roker area of Sunderland, who would havebeen60laterthisweek, died aged 53, with the match soon organised as a tribute to the retired firefighter and Sunderland supporter.
This year’s contest at the city’s Wearmouth Cricket Club was between a combined side from the Howard Arms and The Jacksons pubs, where George used to drink, and fellow enthusiasts from the Barmy Army group of touring cricket fans.
George’s brother, Paul Summerside, 55, a retired engineer from MonkwearPlayers mouth, said: “The match was a great success, with George’s friends coming from as far away as Nottingham, Stoke, Birmingham, London and Bournemouth to take part. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported the fund, auction and raffle. The response has been magnificent.”
The money will be divided between the newly-formed Sunderland Veterans in Crisis (VICs) group in aid of ex-servicemen and women and former Premier League footballer Geoff Horsfield’s homeless charity.
from both sides wore VICs T-Shirts to promote the organisation’s work.
Army veteran Ger Fowler, 48, the founder of VICs, said: “We were privileged to be chosen as one of the causes to benefit this year.
“Every penny we get will go straight to veterans to help them with things like furniture or even a suit to get them a job interview.”
Paul added: “George was very much a people person and if he was alive then these would be the type of causes that he would want to support.”