A mammoth 72-hour football match will now go ahead after Trafford Council agreed to relax regulations regarding floodlight usage at night.
Organiser Nick Rose, a Stockport sales manager, is hoping the whopping 72-hour match will make the Guiness World Record book.
The game aims raise money for Francis House Children’s Hospice, but rules preventing floodlight use at Stretford High School threatened plans.
Trafford Council planning department approved the temporary lifting of regulations though and Mr Rose only had praise for the way the matter was handled.
“They understood what we were doing and it seemed right from the first minute that they wanted to get it approved for us,” said the 26-year-old.
“Based on some of the things you hear and the things you read about planning issues, they were actually quite pleasant to deal with.”
Trafford Community Leisure manage the site and Mr Rose only became aware of the issue upon seeking permission from the school to use its pitch.
“It was an obstacle that I couldn’t view in any way as a positive because I didn’t want it to be there and it was always going to be a pain,” he added.
“It did take a bit longer than I would’ve liked it and it did hold up being able to commit to some elements of the charity.
“But all in all I can only really say positive things because they did help us along the way.”
The game will now go ahead from May 2-5, with Mr Rose aiming to raise £25,000 for the hospice that has cared for his severely disabled 18-year-old sister.
Didsbury’s Francis House Children’s Hospice cares for children with life-threatening conditions and fundraising officer Kate Puc praised Mr Rose for his dedication to the project.
“It’s absolutely brilliant news that it can all go ahead – he’s a workaholic that seems to be becoming a fund raising dynamo,” she said.
“If he reaches his target, which it looks like he will, it would be absolutely brilliant for the hospice.
“He is a really enthusiastic young man that has rallied people around him, jolly good on him and full marks for him and the rest of his team.”
Stretford councillor Dolores O’Sullivan was pleased with her colleagues’ decision in allowing the match to go ahead and encouraged residents to do their bit.
“I am delighted to hear that Trafford Council planning department has relaxed the regulations in order for the charity match to go ahead,” she said.
“Francis House does wonderful work for sick children, and I do hope they raise a considerable amount of money for such a worthy cause.
“I would like to wish Nick Rose and all those taking part every success and I hope local people in Stretford and the surrounding area fully support the event.”
Picture courtesy of DOS82, with thanks.
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