WIRRAL'S footballing community has helped raise thousands for a player’s father who was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Proceeds from a football tournament, justgiving campaign and a talk from Everton legend Peter Reid have helped raise more than £10,000 for Chris Mountford and his family, following the 38-year-old's electrician’s diagnosis.
Due to pre-existing conditions, the self-employed father of three has been unable to insure himself against this type of illness - therefore a Just Giving page, a football tournament and the charity night were set up to help support him and his family during this difficult time.
The night of football nostalgia from Peter Reid - organised by youth football club New Brighton Victoria FC - took place at The Venue By White in Moreton on February 3.
During the event, Reid shared stories and insights from throughout his career. The event was hosted and compered by Everton stadium announcer Graeme White and also featured live music, a raffle and an auction.
Hundreds of people rallied around the family through the Just Giving campaign, whilst the football tournament was the sterling work of Heswall FC, Rakers, Greenleas FC and New Brighton Victoria FC junior football clubs.
New Brighton Victoria FC is a youth football club founded in May 2023, with the aim of instilling social values into children.
One of their many community initiatives, the club teaches the junior players the importance of doing great work in the community.
New Brighton Victoria FC's chairman Chris Guy explained: "It’s been a great team effort by all concerned and it’s so refreshing to see football being used as a tool to unify people and make the world a better place.
"Football can be toxic, especially with angry parents shouting on the touchline, but in this case the community spirit of football has triumphed!”
He continued: “As a club our ethos is to be community driven and we actively fundraise for local charities and causes.
"We hosted the U10s tournament in November and raised over £1,100 for Young Lives vs Cancer and CICRA (Children with Crohns & Colitis) but during the tournament we learnt that an opposing player’s father had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.
"That’s when we decided to get involved and help the cause.”
True to its community values, New Brighton Victoria FC joined forces with Chris Mountford’s son’s team, Heswall FC, Greenleas, Rakers and the army of people behind Chris’ family.
Both the tournament and the Evening With Peter Reid were a huge success — raising vital additional funds on top of the Just Giving campaign.
It is thought that at best, Chris will not be able to work for a year, making things extremely difficult for him, his wife and three children, so the combined fundraising efforts have proven to be game changers for them for the coming months.
Chris Mountford said: "It's amazing to witness the power of football and community spirit and I will be forever grateful.
"I would love nothing more than to be a part of grassroots football and make any difference I can. I’m going to have a lot of time on my hands, so willing to help out in any way I can.
"I’m excited to be part of something and make a massive difference for our local grassroots football.”
New Brighton Victoria FC's Chris Guy summarised: "I am in awe of Chris’ determination to get through this and his positive attitude. It’s amazing that over 300 people donated to his JustGiving page and I am proud that our Peter Reid event helped get the total amount to over £10,000.
"We will continue to support Chris through his recovery and even through the tragic circumstances, I’ve made a friend for life”.
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