Family pay tribute to community for Alfie Lund support

Oct 11 2012 by Joe Thomas, Ormskirk Advertiser

ENTHUSIASTIC fundraisers overcame the rain to support the Alfie Lund Fund.

Footballers, fans and family were among hundreds to join in the fun at a fundraising tournament at Burscough FC’s Victoria Park.

Their efforts helped the day become an incredible success with more than £5,000 raised for brave four-year-old Alfie.

Hoping to raise money for Alfie, who suffers from rare genetic condition MECP2 Duplication Syndrome, mum and dad Rachel and Mark organised the tournament last month.

Between 250-300 people braved the rain to watch dozens of footballers compete for glory – boosting the fundraising figure to £5,500.

Mark said: “It rained all day but everyone who said they were coming turned up.

“To raise £5,500 in the space of 50 days is absolutely unbelievable. All of the football was played in the spirit it should have been played and Burscough FC have said we can run again next year. Alfie may not need anything but there might be another child in the community who does.”

Rachel and Mark, of Colburne Close, Burscough, had set a target of £4,000 for a specialised trike and a new bed for Alfie.

Mark said: “The trike will give Alfie a lot more mobility and help his hips and also put some strength in his legs. We are not expecting him to walk but it will just give him a little bit more independence.”

He added the bed would make a huge difference as Alfie needs a specialised bed because he has no concept of the dangers of falling out.

Rachel and Mark would like to thank the community for their support of the Alfie Lund Fund – particularly photographer Nick Davies of Nicksdarkroom.com, TRM, Burscough FC and Nick, Phil and Samuel who provided entertainment on the night. They will use the money to buy Alfie’s equipment and donate £1,000 to an MECP2 charity. They will also make a donation to the Hillsborough Support Group.