Former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling attended the Football Safety Officers Association (FSOA) Gala Dinner on 20 March in Stratford Upon Avon, where he was the evening’s main guest speaker. Jeff was interviewed by presenter Andy Ashworth.

The event included a prize draw with bottles of Champagne for prizes. Attendees were invited to take part by placing £10 in an envelope.

FSOA Director of Operations, Peter Houghton explained “Once the winners are drawn we ask the main guest speaker where he wants the money to go and Jeff immediately said to Alice House Hospice.

“We normally raise around £600 or £700 as guests always say they have no cash. This year we got wise and brought along a card reader and raised £1,200! With our board’s permission, we were then able to increase the donation to £1,500 which we are thrilled to donate to such a worthwhile cause and one which we know is close to Jeff’s heart.

“The FSOA promotes best practice in the sports safety space, so that our colleagues can continue to provide safe places for people to watch and enjoy sporting events and other events now provided in their stadia.”

Greg Hildreth, a Senior Manager at the Hospice said “It was quite exciting to receive an unexpected personal email from Jeff himself explaining the nomination and to expect a donation coming through. Jeff has supported Alice House for many years in a number of different ways and is a great ambassador for our town. Thanks to Jeff and all at the FSOA for their generosity, which will make a real difference to local people and families accessing Hospice care. I hope all involved had a great night.”

Alice House Hospice provides care and support to people affected by life limiting illness or the death of a loved one in Hartlepool, Tees Valley and East Durham. It costs over £3.5m to fund these services for one year. The Hospice receives just less than 21% of this in Government funding, leaving a shortfall of just under £8,000 to be raised every single day.