Bexhill United Football Club revealed the benefit match for club legend Kyle Holden, celebrating his ten years in the Pirates colours, raised £1,200 for the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) Charity.
The benefit was held at the Polegrove the weekend before last and brought in a large crowd with attractions for young and old alike. It was capped off by a game between the current Bexhill side and a Legends XI put together by former boss Ryan Light, who gave Kyle his first opportunity in senior football.
Bexhill Chairman Martin Johnson said: “We were delighted to host Kyle’s testimonial and it was a brilliant day, paying a full tribute to his decade of service to the club. The fact that we raised £1,200 towards the fantastic work of the CRY Charity, the beneficiary Kyle himself nominated, really is the icing on the cake.”
CRY CEO, Dr Steven Cox added: “Every week in the UK alone, 12 “seemingly” fit and healthy young – that is aged 35 and under – people suddenly, from a previously undiagnosed heart condition.
“In 80 per cent of these cases, there will have been no signs or symptoms of a heart defect until it is too late, which is why CRY believes proactive cardiac screening is so vitally important, particularly for those involved in regular, physical activity.
“As CRY receives no government funding, our UK-wide screening programme is only possible because of the backing CRY receives from local families, communities, sports clubs and businesses, helping us provide this service free to the public.
“In addition to our pioneering screening programme, CRY also funds a world-renowned research centre in London and a unique, nationwide peer-to-peer bereavement network.
“All of these services – from screening through to support – are so important, and I’d therefore like to thank Bexhill FC and particularly Kyle, for nominating CRY as a beneficiary of his testimonial match.
“This is a very generous donation, which will give more young people the opportunity to have their hearts tested by CRY’s specialist team – as well as supporting our vital services.”
