MIDDLESBROUGH Powerchair Football Club is celebrating after topping a public poll to get the biggest share of the £10,000 Goalden Giveaway ahead of nine other Teesside community champions.
Dozens of local charities, community groups and schools applied for Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation’s Middlesbrough FC-backed Giveaway, with the shortlist of ten charities encouraging their supporters to vote during a month-long poll.
The good cause with the most votes was Middlesbrough Powerchair Football Club, which is set to receive not only £2,500, but a visit from Boro boss Aitor Karanka.
The much-needed funds will cover hire and transport costs for powerchair football sessions in local schools, for children and young people with severe physical disabilities.
Cath McNicol, of Middlesbrough Powerchair, said: “£2,500 is fantastic. Ultimately, we’d love Teesside to have the UK’s first schools league for powerchair football. That would be incredible.”
Among the other groups picking up a share are Teesside Samaritans; The Applegarth Centre at Laurence Jackson School; the Daisy Chain charity and Hartlepool Access Group.
Foundation chairman Andy Preston said: “It was really difficult to draw up a shortlist from so many outstanding applications and I congratulate every one of the organisations that will benefit from a share of the money.”
For more details about the Philanthropic Foundation, visit teessidecharity.org.uk
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