British Heart Foundation FC vs Hykeham Tigers. Credit: Yetunde Adegoke.

A charity game involving British Heart Foundation FC and Hykeham Tigers raised over £1,000 for Tigers’ manager, Steve Cawte, who is waiting for a heart transplant.  

The match, on Friday, April 19, was held at Lincoln Moorlands Sports & Social Club, in front of 75 supporters. The game itself finished British Heart Foundation 6-1 Hykeham Tigers, but the score was not the main objective of the day, as the founder of BHF FC explained.

Gary Burr, speaking to The Linc, said: “At the end of the day, the charity is always the winner and we raised £1000 for Steve and his family. It was a great game of charity football, both teams gave 110% and was played in the right way.” 

British Heart Foundation FC vs Hykeham Tigers. Credit: Yetunde Adegoke.
The match was organised by Burr and Hykeham manager Andrew Birchall. Credit: Yetunde Adegoke.

The match was organised to raise money for the foundation and the Hykeham boss. Half of the money raised from the tie, will go to help Cawte’s family, while the rest will support the work of the British Heart Foundation.  

BHF FC was founded by Gary in 2017, after his dad Peter passed away due to a heart attack. To date, they have raised more than £20,000 for the British Heart Foundation.  

Gary was delighted with the success of the event. He said: “Very happy and really pleased with all support after the event. We will look to do an annual game and make it bigger and better.” 

The side, made up of friends, has played over 30 times, including at the LNER Stadium and England national side’s training base St George’s Park. And, they are not stopping there.  

British Heart Foundation FC vs Hykeham Tigers. Credit: Yetunde Adegoke.
BHF FC return to action on Sunday, April 28, before a trip to Leicester City’s King Power Stadium in the summer. Credit: Yetunde Adegoke.

Burr continued: “Our next game is on Sunday, against Lincoln United Old Boys.”

Held at the Sun-Hat Villas & Resorts Stadium (formerly known as Ashby Avenue), BHF FC will look to repeat their victory over Lincoln United Old Boys in a similar game held last year.  

Entry to the game is free, with donation buckets around the ground to help raise money.  


Feature Image Credit: Yetunde Adegoke.