Bourne Town hosts Conor Murphy Cup fundraiser for cancer ward at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge

A football fundraiser has helped a charity, set up in memory of a former team-mate, approach a new landmark.

The match, played at Bourne Abbey Lawns last month, raised £3,319.42 for Murph’s House Charity in aid of Ward C9 at Addenbrookes Hospital, in Cambridge.

The charity was set up by friends of Conor Murphy and has now raised a total of £18,500 for Ward C9 which cares for young people with cancer.

Conor, a former Bourne Town footballer, died six years ago at the age of 22 after developing a cancer which affected his spine and lungs.

The match proved a true game of two halves as the Blue team raced into a 4-0 half-time lead with goals from Fleet, Beveridge and Starbuck.

They had to withstand a second-half fightback as the Reds cut the deficit through Holiday and Cunnington.

But the game ended 4-3 and Blues captain Luke Glover lifted The Conor Murphy Cup for the second time in three years.

More than 150 people went along to support the day, while both Bourne Town FC and Bourne Lions made cash donations.

Local businesses also gave raffle prizes - Middleton’s Steak House, Smiths Of Bourne, Wetherspoons, Full of Beans, Glow N Go Bourne, Mama Liz's, EJ Bronze and Buff Tasha's Spraytans, 23 Coffee, The Snack Shack, Travis Perkins Bourne and The Sport Cave Memorabilia.

“Without help from local businesses we wouldn’t be able to offer such amazing raffle prizes which really boosts our fundraising,” said Conor’s mum, Angela Murphy.

“We would like to thank everyone involved in making the day a success, especially Dave Mears for taking photos and Bourne Town Football Club for hosting us and allowing us to use their facilities.

“And also to everyone who attended and donated throughout the day.”