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Press Cuttings
Molesey Juniors
Georges Day
All For George
Pub Regulars Bike
Emilys Efforts
Reflect
Various Stories 1
Juniors Football
Various Stories 2
Gray on the Green
Artist Helps Charity
Samantha Hughes
Dear World
Diary Inspired by...
BAA Golfing...
Cap 4 Kids Press
Waitrose Weybridge
Trash For Cash
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by Andrew Milford
SOMEONE once said that the currency of good football is goals - at Molesey Juniors this season, some will be worth more than others.
Every time that the club's under-10 boys' and under-12 girls' teams hit the back of the net, sponsorship money will wing its way towards Georgie's Fund.
The charity was set up in in February 2004 following the death of George Hayhoe from Neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer that is diagnosed in approximately 100 children in the UK each year.
The fund aims to raise money to research into a cure and treatments for the disease and will also support small individual projects related to sick children in the community.
Sean Byrne, who is responsible for the two teams involved in the fundraising effort, first decided to work with the charity when he took the girls to a tournament in Addlestone in 2004.
There, he found out that Georgie had played for the team organizing the event, Abbey Rangers.
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"I was pretty touched by the story and I thought it would be a nice idea to try to teach my football teams that winning is not everything." he said.
Having got in touch with George's mother, Tania, who helps to run Georgie's Fund, he was able to put his plan into action.
"The children are really enthusiastic." said Sean. "I only handed out the first few leaflets a couple of weeks ago, just before the first boys game and they were eager to
know about this litlle boy. It really hit home, especially as Georgie would have been in their age group this year.
Some of the parents also get a bit carried away with winning and the result - they all want to win. I want to teach them as well that this is not the be all and end all."
The fundraising has already got off to a good start, with the boys team having plundered five goals on their opening game of the season.
"It really seems to have gripped the imaginaton of the children," said Sean.
"The players are wearing wristbands, which were made for Georgie's Fund, and they are like lucky charms."
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He added that the girls' under-10s and under-13s, for which he is not responsible, are also looking to take part in the fundraising process.
"I am hoping that maybe one or two of the other teams might see what is going on and they will join us," he said.
This is not the first time that Sean has thrown his weight behind what he considers to be a good cause.
Last month, he participated in aid of the British Lung Foundation, having previously supported the charity by running the London Marathon.
"All charities are under-funded and we all waste so much money on peripheral things," said Sean. "I don't think it hurts for people to dip into their pockets for a couple of pounds every now and then.
"I have two children and the thought of losing one of them so young would hurt me, so I can only imagine what Georgie's Family has gone through."
If you wish to sponsor one of Sean's teams this season, call him on 07976-525450. For more information on Georgie's Fund, visit www.georgies-fund.com
Article from "The Weybridge News & Mail" 5th October 2005
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