The Wirral football community have raised over £10,000 for a player’s father. Thanks to a tournament, a Just Giving campaign and an evening with Everton legend Peter Reid, money was raised for Chris Mountford and his family following his brain tumour diagnosis.
A fascinating night of football nostalgia was hosted at The Venue By White in Moreton on Saturday 3rd February, as football fans were treated to a talk and Q&A with the charismatic Peter Reid, as he 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.
The night raised money for Chris Mountford and his family, following the 38-year-old electrician’s recent diagnosis of a brain tumour. 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 Just Giving page raised in excess of £8,000, whilst the tournament and Evening With Peter Reid took the total amount raised to over £10,000 — raising vital funds for the family’s loss of earnings and cost of living with cancer.
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.
The Evening With Peter Reid was organised by New Brighton Victoria FC — 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.
At best, Chris won’t 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 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”.
Meanwhile, 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.”
The Wirral football community have raised over £10,000 for a player’s father. Thanks to a tournament, a Just Giving campaign and an evening with Everton legend Peter Reid, money was raised for Chris Mountford and his family following his brain tumour diagnosis.
TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD WITH NBVFC OR TO SPONSOR THE TEAM MESSAGE CHRIS ON 07368947749 OR CONTACT VIA THE WEBSITE
For more information visit the New Brighton Victoria Football Club WEBSITE
Images courtesy of Alan Griffiths Sports Photography & Isabel Infantes AFP
