FOUNDATION MATCH FOR VERITY GRAINGER

On Saturday 16 July, the annual Kevin Beattie Foundation Cup was contested by FC Clacton and Harwich & Parkeston FC.

This year the match was in aid of Verity Grainger, a primary school teacher and lifelong Cambridge United fan, who has been diagnosed with mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MINGIE).

It is a life-shortening genetic condition that blocks the production of a particular enzyme, causing a build-up of metabolites in the blood that damages mitochondria. It is so rare only 200 people have been diagnosed worldwide.

The game took place at the Austin Arena, home of FC Clacton and the turnout was a fairly decent crowd considering the country was on a heatwave alert and the weather was hot.

The first half saw FC Clacton race into a half time with a 3-0 lead and it was not looking great for the visitors. Harwich & Parkeston hit back with a goal in the second goal but that was not enough to stop FC Clacton running out as winners, 3-1.

Before the game there was a special moment as Verity led both teams out onto the pitch with her son and pupil Noah who raised the awareness of his teacher’s illness.

They were then joined onto the pitch by Emma Beattie (Kevin’s Daughter) where a picture was taken with both teams along with the match officials for whom held a giant Kevin Beattie Foundation Flag.

After the game, Verity and Noah presented the Cup to the victorious FC Clacton Captain watched by most of the crowd who had stayed behind.

This was followed by the draw of a bumper Raffle consisting of 19 prizes which includes some awesome donations from various companies. All the information on this can be found on the KBF Website.

The KBF executives would like to thank both FC Clacton and Harwich & Parkeston FC for playing the game in good spirits, the match officials, all those that worked behind the scenes like the tea and burger hut, the gateman, groundsman, bar staff for all doing their part in making this such a wonderful day. We would also like to thank those that attended as it was a very hot day and to the family of Verity Grainger for coming along also.

As you can see by the pictures, the whole day was a huge success!