Hartlepool Sunday League teams put rivalries aside to score big win for food bank

Football sides and even referees from three divisions in the Hartlepool Sunday League contributed to an appeal started by side 13 Apparel FC.

Manager Jonathon Bull issued an appeal for donations in the light of Manchester United player Marcus Rashford’s highly-publicised food poverty campaign last week.

Players handed over a huge pile of food to Hartlepool Foodbank which will make the equivalent of over 800 meals.

Jonathon said: “We decided as a team to donate our subs money for the week.

"Then we put it out on Twitter saying if every one in the league gave a tenner we will be able to donate £400 and it just took off.

"We have just passed £2,300.”

Jonathon said he was overwhelmed at the reaction and support from 28 teams in the league.

He added: “Everyone came together. It was great to see the response considering on a Sunday on the pitch you are the biggest rivals.

"This is a huge win for the league in the town, particularly in such a deprived town. I didn’t expect it to be anywhere near as big as it was.”Jonathon said he sees deprivation first-hand as a teacher and the team chose Hartlepool Foodbank as it supports children and families across the town that are most in need.

Players used half of the money raised to do a big shop at Asda before delivering the food and selection boxes and advent calendars for children to the charity’s base in Church Street.

They will present the remaining money to the food bank to spend as they wish.

Hartlepool Foodbank deputy coordinator Teagan Burns said: “They specifically asked what things we needed to buy so that we could give it out straight away which was really appreciated and helpful.”

Food bank coordinator Lisa Lavender added: “The donation by the Hartlepool Sunday League is fabulous and exceptionally generous.

"We would just like to say a massive thanks.”

Hartlepool Foodbank currently delivers food parcels every Tuesday and Friday. They can be contacted on (01429) 598404 or Hartlepool Borough Council for further assistance on (01429) 523469.

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