Friends are ready to kick-off fundraising efforts for Children in Need

Oct 23 2008 by Debbie Spalding, West Lothian Courier

TWO West Lothian friends have kicked-off their bid to raise money for Children in Need.

Kenny Lessels (55), and Willie Wotherspoon (48), both from Livingston, have organised the Pudsey 7s charity football tournament this Sunday (October 26) at West Calder United’s Hermand Park.

The tournament will see Kenny, Willie and friends from their Sunday morning five a side team, calling themselves ‘The Favourites’, take on teams including former professional and junior players from teams such as Hibs, Bathgate Thistle and West Calder United.

Tickets to watch the tournament, which starts at 1pm, cost £4 for adults and £1 for children and are available at the turnstiles on the day.

Willie Wotherspoon, who is a director of Livingston-based Sprint Computer Repairs, explained:

“Kenny is a football coach and used to work with young players at Livingston FC and has always worked with children, and I have recently got healthy enough to participate.

“Through discussions with our team mates, we decided to do something for Children in Need.

“Through our football and business contacts we set up an organising committee, including local businessman Alan Waddell from The Kilt Studio and Bathgate Thistle's captain Graham Love.

“We now hope to run this an annual event and raise as much money as possible for the disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.”

Kenny and Willie have also organised a fundraising race night which will be taking place at Bathgate’s British Legion Club from 7.30pm this Saturday (October 25).

Tickets cost £3 and are available from Willie by calling 0776 5436461 or at the door on the night of the event.

The evening will feature man-powered horse racing machines, various raffles and auctions as well as a disco.