12 September 2024

Burton Grove Legends triumph in 10th annual charity football match, raising over £750 for Pilgrims Hospices!

On Sunday 4 August 2024, the spirit of friendly competition was alive and well as Dean Spurrell, an employee of Ashford Borough Council, organised the annual charity football match, the Chris Spurrell Memorial Trophy, in support of Pilgrims Hospices.

This event, held in memory of Dean’s father Chris, who was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices and was Burton Grove’s number one fan, brought the community together for a worthy cause.


The match saw an impressive turnout, with around 20 players on each side, including several older and former players who joined the Burton Grove Legends team. Friends and family also showed their support, cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines.

The weather was favourable, staying dry throughout the event, which added to the excitement on the pitch. The current Burton Grove team opened the scoring early, but the Legends team fought back, equalising just before halftime. Both teams continued to add to their tally in the second half, with Dean Spurrell himself scoring a memorable goal for the Legends. In a thrilling finale, the Legends secured a 3-2 victory with a late goal.

The event wasn’t just about the fun on the field — it was about making a difference. Dean and his team collected donations during the match and received generous online contributions, bringing the current total to an impressive £755.00. With more donations expected, this figure is likely to rise even further.

Dean expressed his gratitude for the support, saying, “The event went very well, thank you. We had a great turnout, and it was fantastic to see so many familiar faces, both on the pitch and in the crowd. The match was a lot of fun, and the fact that we raised so much money for Pilgrims Hospices makes it even more special.”

In addition to the funds raised, Dean shared photos from the day, capturing the joyous atmosphere and camaraderie among the players, while supporters captured the magnificent trophy lift at the end of the game.

The Burton Grove Legends’ victory was more than just a win on the pitch — it was a win for a worthy cause. With donations still coming in, the final total raised for Pilgrims Hospices promises to make a significant impact.

Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this fantastic event. Together, we are making a difference!

To learn more about how you can support Pilgrims Hospices through fundraising, visit pilgrimshospices.org/fundraising.


Pilgrims Hospices is a charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Our services ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families, offering compassionate care both in hospice settings and in the community.