Netball competition raising funds for charity

Money raised through the match and accompanying cake sale will go towards reaching the Stop the Heartbreak campaign, in partnership with The Citizen, which aims to provide potentially life-saving cardiac screening for young people in Gloucestershire aged between 14-35. Funds will also go to the Carly Taylor Fighting Back campaign, which supports a former student.

The charity match took place this week at the Oxstalls campus in Longlevens, Gloucester, ahead of the Stop the Heartbreak Family Fun Day there on February 21.

Staff won with 38 to 24 points.

Funds raised will provide cardiac screening for 300 young people aged between 14 and 35 facilitated by the CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) charity in Gloucester, on March 31 and April 1, and the Forest of Dean on October 27.

Anita Navin, Head of School of Sport and Exercise, said: A great event for staff and students, as an older member I just wish my body could have done what my brain wanted it to! I think next time I might just be the pundit.”

Jo Shire, Subject Group Leader for Sports Education and Coaching, said: “We had a real mix of staff in terms of experience, everyone played brilliantly. I haven’t played for 25 years but I had a great time and the students were fantastic it was played in the best spirit. Phil Shirfield was phenomenal as shooter and those of us who are a little older worked extremely hard to keep the students at bay.”

Alison Croad, Course Leader for Sports Coaching (Foundation), said: “Carly was the first team netball captain and an England student player. Following a tragic accident she broke her neck in three places and has been left paralysed from the neck down. The netball team fundraise every year to help support Carly Taylor as she continues to fight back. It was fantastic to see a real mix of staff supporting such worthy causes. Everyone played really well and there was a good atmosphere played in a good spirit.”

The Family Fun Day starts at 10am and to find out more, please email: stoptheheartbreak@glos.ac.uk