Emma Bibby-Cheshire of Northwich Vixens FC talks us through the charity challenge undertaken by the club and Northwich Victoria...

THE past few weeks have seen Northwich Vixens team up with Northwich Victoria FC to complete two charity challenges, which successfully raised £1,397 to support two local charities – The Mid Cheshire Foodbank and the Northwich section of The Salvation Army.

The teams have been blown away by the support and generosity throughout the challenges.

In particular, the first challenge which took place during lockdown created a buzz on social media. Videos came in thick and fast and the numbers soon added up.

The chosen charities work so hard locally to support families and members of the community that have faced hard times, and we all know how that has been exasperated due to Covid-19.

The first challenge took place on Saturday, November 28, players, staff and supporters all participated in a 24hour keepy-uppy challenge, hoping to reach 24,000 keepy- uppies in 24hours.

We were blown away by the support and how many people participated in the challenge. After 24 hours, we had raised over £1,000 and completed 51,443 keepy-uppies!

The following week, out of lockdown, we embraced the lifted restrictions and completed a 5k Santa dash.

Training had returned and the teams were back in action – Vixens away at Warrington with a league game and Vics had a friendly at home against Witton Albion – but players found time during the week to complete a Santa dash, dressing up and continuing to raise money and awareness for two great charities.

We went to visit both charities and spoke about the work they had been doing in the lead up to Christmas.

Mid Cheshire Foodbank are delivering Christmas food hampers as well as providing their usual foodbank provision and the Salvation Army have been receiving referrals for toys and gifts this Christmas and have been busy wrapping and getting these out to the children and families who need them most the this year.

Vics are continuing to accept donations for the foodbank at their home fixtures.

Catch both teams with home fixtures this weekend:

Saturday 19th 3pm Northwich Vics vs Bootle FC at Wincham Park

Sunday 20th 2pm Northwich Vixens vs Chester FC at Park Stadium, Lostock Gralam.