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What's the challenge?

From the 4th to the 8th July 2015, two squads of 18 players (including me), as well as countless friends and family members in support roles, will aim to break the Guinness World Record for the longest ever 11 a side football match – the current record is 72 hours. The training regime over the next six months will be a real test of discipline and commitment for all players taking part. The event will be held at Spartans Football Ground, Ainslie Park Edinburgh. All are welcome to support us through what will be an enormous feat of physical and mental endurance for everyone involved.

This isn't going to be an easy challenge or one that we are taking lightly. This event is classified as an 'extreme endurance event', and in terms of distance covered, the event has been compared to running 6 marathons in 4 days. So just imagine, while you sleep at 4am, we will be playing football. When you wake up, spend the day at work, go home and have dinner, watch some TV and go back to bed... The whole time we will be playing football!  We will be doing this for several continuous days.

Why am I doing it?

On the 8th July 2005 my older brother Craig was suddenly taken away from us at the age of 17. The Craig Gowans Memorial Fund was established in 2007 with the aim of ensuring that Craig's memory is used as a driving force for good. July 2015 represents the tenth anniversary of Craig's passing and Craig's family and friends felt this was a fitting tribute to mark such a date.

Craigy had it all, the looks, the personality, a 'straight A' student, an unconditional to study architecture at University and a professional football contract. It was said at the time that if everyone was like Craig, then heaven would be on earth; a statement echoed by his friends and family.

The loss is still very difficult for our family to bear but our charitable fundraising efforts continue to be a positive focus. It's always incredibly humbling to receive feedback from parents of sick or vulnerable young children who have benefited from our fundraising projects through our partners at The Sick Kids Friends Foundation.

What will the money raised go towards?

The forthcoming event will be our most challenging yet. Consequently, we have set our highest fundraising target.  We aim to raise at least £37,000 (37 was Craig's professional squad number) for The Sick Kids Friends Foundation.

 

The money raised will help fund enhancements to the new Sick Kids hospital at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France. We’re aiming to raise funds for a state of the art Snoezelen room in Craig’s name. This is a calming room with multi-sensory equipment to provide a relaxing and stimulating space, important for children with sensory impairments.

 

For more information regarding the event please visit our Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/TCGGWRM and Twitter http://www.twitter.com/TCGGWRM37.

 

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Thank you

Lyndsay xxxx