Whitehaven junior footballers support children from The Gambia

Siiboo charity, based in Egremont, will be heading out in April to Africa to distribute a wide range of items, from pencils to medical equipment, to a junior school, nursery and medical facility in Bakendik.

Run by Colin and Sharon Fox, the charity has this week receive help from the Whitehaven football club.

Colin said: "We are very excited about the support received from Whitehaven AFC. The club has very generously donated two full sets of three-quarter sized goalposts, a few sets of training ground goalposts as well as a quantity of football strips.

"Siiboo now also has had a collection bin in the clubhouse where the kids in the club can donate outgrown football boots as well as outgrown strips that they no longer use.''

Cumberland FA has also continued its support of the charity by donating a number of footballs, football strips and training aids.

Colin said: "Grassroots football here supporting football in The Gambia is something we are keen to develop, and with the continuing support from Cumberland FA and individual clubs the project is going from strength to strength.''

A large number of items, collected across the West Cumbrian community, will also be shipped out to Gambia next month. These include school desks, toys, games, shoes and stationery.

Over 30 bicycles will also be sent as many pupils have to make a 12-mile round trip on foot to go to school, arriving exhausted before lessons.

Colin said: "With a bicycle, students have more time and energy to focus on their studies.''

Also supporting the charity are Shoezone, who paid for shipping, and Jewson's at Egremont who helped transport furniture to a St Bees storage unit before it is shipped to Gambia next month.

To further raise money for the charity a Night of Mediums in the Waverley Hotel, Workington, on Friday, March 3.

Tickets are priced at £7 each, two for £12 or £10 on the door. Doors open 7 for 7.30pm with refreshments and a raffle being available.