Harlow latest
Slideshow: Celebs thrash Harlow Police in seven-goal thriller
HARLOW bobbies took a sound beating on the football pitch yesterday (Sunday, August 5) when they took on a Celebrity XI team to raise over £1,300 for charity.
TV presenter and local boy Jeff Brazier, Big Brother favourite Victor Ebuwa and a host of other familiar faces from programmes including Sky 1's Dream Team barely built up a sweat as they cantered to a 6-1 victory over Harlow Police FC.
Hundreds of spectators turned out at The GPCA Link on Parsloe Road to cheer on the players, who were raising money for Passmores Academy teacher Jules Ruddick's Lupus Five Appeal and the Bishop's Stortford-based Animal Rescue Charity.
Jules, who played the second half for the Harlow Police team, said he was "chuffed" by the huge turn-out.
"It was so well supported by everyone Passmores students and staff, the police, the celebrity team, The Link and the community as a whole - it was brilliant," he told the Star.
"I am so appreciative to everyone who came down and helped us to raise such a fantastic amount either by watching or playing. There was a great atmosphere and everyone seemed to have a really good time.
"The only thing I would have changed was the score we seemed to take a bit of a thrashing!"
Actor and producer Simon Cummins, who has managed the celebrity team in the annual charity match for a number of years now, said he was pleased to be able to support two good causes.
"I chose to help the Animal Rescue Charity as I know from personal experience about the great job they do and it was the police who nominated Jules's Lupus Appeal, which also seems incredible.
"Lupus seems to be one of those diseases that a lot of people don't know about and yet anyone could be affected by it, so it was great to be able to also raise awareness of it.
Simon added: "I was certainly 100 per cent happy with my team's performance.
"We all absolutely love playing the police and thought they were particularly good sports this year to have lost as badly as they did!"
Manager of the poilice team Stuart Burt added his thanks to everyone who had helped make it "such a successful day".
"It wasn’t the best of results for the police team but more importantly a fantastic £1314 was raised for the Lupus Five charity," he said. "Both teams have also signed a football, which will be auctioned by the Lupus Five to raise more money.
"I would also like to thank the celebrities, the officials and the Link Sports and Social club whose precious time and support made this day possible. Thanks also go to Harlow Television for filming the match and my team and I would like to wish Jules Ruddick and the Lupus Five all the best for their charity event in September."
Pictures by Jessica Parsley
