WEST Cumbrian charity Team Evie has kicked off a new fundraising event and is delighted with the response.
Eighty five teams have signed up to take part in the first Festival of Football tournament, which will be held in Cockermouth in June.
"We have had a really great response, with 1,000 kids taking part already," said Team Evie chief executive Greg Johnston.
"More teams are welcome to enter."
He is hoping it will become an annual event.
The charity was set up by Greg and Jill Johnston following the death of their first daughter, Evie, who died aged six months in September 2015.
Evie suffered from multiple, serious cardiac, respiratory and digestive problems and spent the majority of her life at the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle.
The charity’s work is split up into three main areas: supporting sick children and their families in hospital, in the community and with bereavement support.
It has already raised nearly £600,00 with a huge range of events over the years.
The football tournament will take place on the weekend of June 17/18 at Highfield Sports Fields.
It will feature tournaments for Under 7s, Under 8s, Under 9s, Under 10s, Under 11s and U12s and is open to any team with FA affiliation.
"There will be lots going on as part of the event with a food van, coffee van, bar, inflatables, fundraising stalls and events, a huge raffle and much more," said Greg.
Entries close on March 31.
As part of the fundraising, Team Evie will be running a pre-loved football shirts, shorts and boots stall. Anyone who would like to donate adult or children's kit should email Kate Skillen skillenkate@gmail.com.
"We are also looking for businesses to get involved as sponsors for the event," said Greg.
"As you can imagine with an event on this scale there are huge costs – we hope to raise lots of money, but if business can get involved to help us cover some of the costs it would be amazing."
Team Evie will be holding a Candlelit Walk this Saturday evening at Whinlatter, remembering loved ones.
"We held the first one in 2016. The event is a beautiful, poignant evening during which we walk a trail through Whinlatter forest, lit with green glowing lights, which lead us to an opening in the woods.
"Here we spend time reflecting and remembering our little ones who are no longer with us," said Greg.
They are expecting about 50 people. More details at www.teamevie.org.
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