A successful memorial football match in memory of a young boy and father-of-two has raised nearly £20,000 for two important charities.

Over 100 people attended the charity fun day, which took place at the Recreation Ground, Caersws, in memory of Casey Breese and Thomas 'Winnie' Evans. All proceeds raised during the event were in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance and NSPCC.

Adults took part in the Thomas ‘Winnie’ Evans Cup, which featured ex-teammates and friends of Thomas.

The children enjoyed the Casey Breese Football Festival, BBQ, face painting, bouncy castles, and lots more.

A successful auction included a champagne bottle signed by Prime minister Boris Johnson and a shirt signed by Tennis player, Andy Murray.

Organisers have revealed they plan on hosting the Thomas 'Winnie' Evans Cup and Casey Breese Festival every year, including a yet to be announced tribute to Caersws teenager Owen Bennett, who sadly died in a car crash in May.

Casey lost his life while playing with friends after a goalpost fell on him more than 10 years ago. “Winnie” died aged 34 in a car crash between Caersws and Trefeglwys in September 2021.

Event organiser Karl Wigley said: “We have decided that as the community raised it in these tough times, we will be giving some money back through various local projects as well as donating to the Wales Air Ambulance and NSPCC. I would like to thank all the sponsors, volunteers, and auction donors as without them this couldn't happen.

“We will be looking at doing this every year to keep the memories of Winnie, Casey and very recently young Owen Bennett alive.”

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity emergency service offers advanced critical care and is often described as a ‘Flying ED’. The on-board consultants and critical care practitioners are highly skilled and carry some of the most pioneering medical equipment in the world. They can deliver blood transfusions, administer anaesthesia, and undertake emergency operations at the scene of the incident, before flying the patient directly to specialist care.  

Dougie Bancroft, Wales Air Ambulance’s Community Fundraiser said: “The memorial football festival was a huge success and raised an incredible amount for two important charities and local projects. Thank you to the organisers, people who took part and everyone who donated to the fundraiser. It was a lovely tribute to Casey Breese and Thomas “Winnie” Evans and it is lovely to hear that the Thomas 'Winnie' Evans Cup and Casey Breese Festival will take place every year.

“Donations like this one will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most, via our four helicopters and rapid response vehicles.”

There are several ways that the public can continue to support the Wales Air Ambulance. These include online donations, signing up to the Charity’s Lifesaving Lottery or by coming up with their own innovative ways to fundraise at home. Further information can be found via www.walesairambulance.com. 

Alternatively, a £5 text-message donation can be made by texting the word HELI to 70711.