Cots for Tots was the charity beneficiary of a terrific day of entertainment in Dunkeswell on Sunday.
Local sporting folk – and some that aren’t! – got together for the worthy cause and played in the annual 5-a-side tournament that is staged to support the charity.
Former Western league goalkeeping ‘legend’ Brian Cann, who lives in the village, dug out his boots –and gloves – to once again go between the posts and his team reached the semi-finals where they lost to eventual tournament winners Honiton Post Office.
Brian said: “Having been duped into leaving retirement (again) I found myself in a team with my sons Josh [who plays for the village side in the regular football season] and Ben together with another Dunks footballer, Matt Woollacott and Rob Williams of Upottery FC who skippered our side.
“I felt we were far the better team in the semi-final before we went out to a most dubious final penalty in the shoot-out!”
He continued: “All joking aside, it was a wonderful day and I enjoyed the great company and, most importantly, a terrific sum was raised for a most worthy charity.”
Cann, who has played over 1,000 games of senior football, showed that despite being old enough to play cricket for Devon Over-50s, he still ‘has it’ when it comes to shot stopping as he only shipped four goals in the four games his team played at the tournament.
The event organiser is Kerri Winter who has the charity close to her own heart. She says: “Yes we raised £605 this time, a little less than previous years, but the weather was against us.
“I do various things through out the year to raise money for Cots For Tots as they played a huge part in our lives when our son was born.
“It’s me and my husband James with our son Charlie, who organise everything we do. “I have to say organising such events would really not be possible without the help of my wonderful Mum Julie, who spent her entire day cooking on the barbecue! I must also thank Karen and Gary who refereed the games. Indeed, I’d like to place on record my sincere appreciation to everyone who came along and supported us, and keep supporting us, as we endeavour to raise as much as possible for Cots for Tots.”
You can see so much more about Kerri and her families efforts at the Cots for Tots Facebook page.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here