Two Ripon charities have shared more than £5,400 following a community football tournament organised by the team behind The Portly Pig.
The Pig Cup six-a-side competition, held at Ripon City AFC's Mallorie Park Drive ground last month, raised £5,422, with Andy's Man Club and Ripon Men's Shed each receiving £2,711 to support their work.
The fundraiser was organised by Stuart and Katie Ross, with guidance from Helen Cotterill-Smith, a regional safeguarding officer with the English Football League, after turning the idea for a football tournament into a community fundraising event in less than six months.
Representatives from both charities received their donations on Sunday outside The Portly Pig on Kirkgate.
Owen Pearman of Andy's Man Club, which meets every Monday evening at Ripon Bowling Club, said:
“This is a brilliant boost and will help us to cover the cost of holding our meetings, paying for items such as tea and coffee and biscuits.”
He added:
“As well as raising money, the Portly Pig’s high-profile promotion of the Pig Cup tournament was invaluable as it raised awareness of the suicide prevention work that we do.”
(Images: Tim Flanagan for Ripon BID's Rejoicing in Ripon blog)
Ripon Men's Shed, which was launched in 2021 and now has more than 40 members, says the donation comes at an important time.
Shed manager Barry Sutton said:
“We continue to grow and now have more than 40 members who are involved in our community-based projects.
“The money that we are receiving as a result of the Pig Cup is well timed, as it will help us with the creation of our new workshop.”
Barry added:
“We greatly appreciate the support of Stuart, Katie, Helen and John and all at the Portly Pig and thank them for choosing us, alongside Andy’s Man Club, to receive the money that was raised.”
Before the tournament got underway, players and supporters observed a minute's silence in memory of men who had taken their own lives, highlighting the importance of the work carried out by both charities in tackling loneliness, social isolation and poor mental health.
Speaking about the impact of suicide, Helen Cotterill-Smith said:
“Around three quarters of the deaths are among males and very sadly, with approximately 20 lives lost per day, suicide remains the leading cause of death for people under the age of 35.”
Stuart Ross thanked everyone who helped make the event possible.
He said:
“Katie and I would like to thank everybody from Helen and John, to Ripon City AFC, Ripon BID, businesses and organisations across the city, who entered teams for the tournament and donors who gave us items of football memorabilia for the Pig Cup charity auction.
“Every contribution added to the final result and we know that the funds raised for two great charities will be well spent in supporting their vital work.”
Lilla Bathurst, manager of Ripon BID, praised the community effort behind the event.
She said:
“The Pig Cup tournament is another shining example of how Ripon’s independent businesses and organisations work together to back community-based activities, from Saturday’s St Wilfrid’s procession to last month’s Ripon Theatre Festival.
“It’s what makes our ancient, heritage rich, Cathedral City of the Dales such a special place to do business, live in and visit.”
Harrogate College students celebrate success on Level 3 results day
Five Harrogate district cricketers heading to national final at Lord's
Slingsby's gooseberry gin back by popular demand
Final cookery line-up confirmed for Harrogate Food and Drink Festival
New independent bookshop set to open on Parliament Street
Ripon racegoers warned of delays as 10,000 expected at Great St Wilfrid meeting
Main section of A59 Kex Gill route set to open 'within weeks'
Harrogate Ladies' College celebrates best A*-A results in four years
Ashville pupils heading around the world after A Level success
Students celebrate A Level success at St Aidan's and St John Fisher
Everything you need to know about Symphonic Ibiza this weekend
Eight Ripon Grammar students achieve four A*s or more
Harrogate Grammar celebrates strong A-level results
Ripon pupil overcomes anxiety to pursue Paris dream
More details revealed about Harrogate's Christmas ice rink in Valley Gardens
GALLERY: Hundreds gather at Almscliffe Crag for view of solar eclipse
Ripon Summer FunFest returns for sixth year
Extreme heat to cause disruption on Harrogate train line
Firework Championships to light up skies over Ripon next weekend
Harrogate MP calls for Lifeline changes to be put on hold
