Havens Hospices' Play On The Pitch 2025 Raises A Record £47500
A record £47,678.20 raised for the Play on the Pitch event!
Business professionals from across Southend swapped their suits for football boots earlier this year, raising an incredible £47,678.20 for Havens Hospices at the annual Play on the Pitch charity football match.
The much-loved event, hosted by Barclays and held at Southend United’s Roots Hall Stadium, brought together teams made up of staff from Barclays and a host of local businesses, including Southend United FC, Ayers & Cruiks, Azets, BTMK, Barons, Revive Digital, Rickard Luckin, Able Group, c2c and MWS.
Support from the Southend United Football Club Consortium
A new highlight this year was the addition of the Evening with the Consortium Dinner, held at The Boundary in Southend, which significantly boosted fundraising efforts through a lively memorabilia auction, raffle, and more. Hosted by Chris Phillips, the Echo Newspaper’s Chief Sports Reporter, the event welcomed Southend United Football Club Consortium members Justin Rees, Jason Brown, Tom Lawrence, John Watson, Tom Arnold, David Kreyling, Shivaas Gulati, and Paul Redbourn.
Play on the Pitch 2025 brings total money raised to over £300,000 in 11 years!
Thanks to match funding by Barclays, this year’s total brings the overall amount raised by Play on the Pitch to more than £300,000 over its 11-year history – all in support of local hospice care.
Peter Laight, Business Relationship Director at Barclays, said: “It’s always a privilege to bring businesses together for such an important cause. The passion and commitment shown on and off the pitch is a testament to how much our community cares about supporting families in their most difficult times. Barclays is proud to play our part in raising vital funds for Havens Hospices.”
Rachel Hawksworth, Deputy Head of Fundraising at Havens Hospices, added: “On behalf of everyone at Havens Hospices, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Barclays and all the local businesses who took part in Play on the Pitch. It was a fantastic evening and a brilliant show of community spirit.
“We must raise over £207,000 each week to continue providing care to local adults, children, and babies living with incurable conditions. Events like this help make that possible, ensuring we can be there for every family who needs us.”
Havens Hospices provides specialist care and support through its two hospices, Fair Havens and Little Havens, as well as in the home and community. This care is only possible thanks to the generosity of its supporters.
It's not too late to donate...
To find out more about fundraising for Havens Hospices, visit: www.havenshospices.org.uk/fundraising
Want to "Pitch" in for 2026? Get in touch!
Havens Hospices and the "Play on the Pitch" partners welcome all local businesses to help reach the £50,000 goal for next year!
Have your chance to live your football fantasy at the home of the Shrimpers, while doing your bit for a fantastic cause.
We welcome all ideas and contributions, please reach out to get involved!
