Suffolk & Norfolk Firefighters return to the pitch for a football derby to raise funds for Testicular Cancer.

After last year’s very competitive match, Suffolk & Norfolk firefighters will be heading to The Barnards Soccer Centre in Lowestoft, on Sunday 10^th July to take battle on the football pitch once again.

This annual event is to raise funds for It’s On The Ball, a local Testicular Cancer Charity who supported Suffolk Firefighter, Ben Horne, after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer last year.  Ben was diagnosed in early 2015 and after months of treatment, he has returned to active duty within the Fire Service.

In March 2015, It’s On The Ball Chairman, Vince Wolverson, met members of Blue Watch at Lowestoft South Fire Station who expressed an interest in helping to raise awareness of Testicular Cancer and suggested the idea of holding a local football derby between Norfolk and Suffolk Firefighters. The first event was held in August 2015 at The FDC in Norwich. It was a very close match but Suffolk managed to get ahead in the 2^nd half and won 3-2. Former Lord Mayor, Brenda Arthur, presented the winning team with the Tobi Trophy and the team agreed to hold a rematch with Norfolk the following year.

This year’s game will kick off at 1pm and each squad is allowed up to 15 players. Both teams have been offered the opportunity to have 2 guest or celebrity players so you never know who might turn up on the pitch!

Norfolk Fire Service (Red) & Suffolk Fire Service (Green) meet on the pitch

The day is intended for the whole family and there will be some fire service vehicles and staff members on site so visitors can learn more about how the fire service operates. In addition to this, there will be food, refreshments, a face painter and some fun activities throughout the day too.  There is an entry fee of £2.50 per adult. Gates will open at 12.00 and the event will finish at approximately 15.00.

Chairman of It’s On The Ball, Vince Wolverson, said “We are delighted both teams were up for a rematch this year and we’re looking forward to finding out who takes the Tobi Trophy home this year. This is a fun event for all the family but with a serious message at its heart.  Please come along and get behind your team.  If you can’t make it, please help by making a donation – you can donate by text to 70070 – just text IOTB14 followed by £5 or £10 or £15.  Thank you”.

Former Lord Mayor, Brenda Arthur, presents the winning team with the Tobi Trophy