A charity football tournament has seen more than £10,000 has been raised to support the research into treatment for Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
Sunday saw the return of the Blaker’s Cup for the third time, a football tournament and fundraising event held in memory of Ollie Blake-Brennan who passed away in 2011 at the age of 16.
The event is held every five years but had to be postponed until 2022 due to the pandemic.
400 spectators watched 220 players in 30 teams battle it out in over 100 matches to take home the Blaker’s Cup. The event was held at the ground of Eversley & California FC.
Fittingly, the team of Ollie’s cousin, Brandon Jules, took home the trophy after winning the final on penalties.
Ollie’s parents, Doris and Andrew Blake-Brennan were in attendance and presented the Blaker’s Cup to the winning team.
Brandon said: “I am so proud to be able to raise the Blaker’s Cup as 2022 winners, it was a great day of football and fun with friends and family.”
The day saw local food vendors Jeco Bowl and Unholy Donuts support the event and donate 30% of their profits.
A raffle with 30 items valued at £2,000 and a live auction of football tickets, a private boat trip and signed memorabilia brought in a significant sum for the cause.
Overall, across the event and the Just Giving which still has donations rolling in, the target of £10,000 has been surpassed. Money raised is to be donated to support the research, awareness and treatment of Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
Ollie attended The Emmbrook School and had played for Finchampstead Football Club from a young age.
A statement on Ollie’s JustGiving donation page reads: “The mission was to bring all the family and friends who loved him together to enjoy one of his passions, football.
“A key purpose of creating a football tournament was to raise awareness of the terrible condition, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and of course raise some money for research into treatments.
George Evans, member of the Blaker’s Cup Committee said: “We set out in 2011 to organise an event to remember our friend who had just passed away and raise some money for charity.
“Today the Blaker’s Cup is a major fundraising event with increasing support within the local community and further afield.
“We are thankful to everyone that helped us in running the event for the third time, particularly Eversley Sports Association for providing the venue.
“We look forward to inviting everyone back for the fourth iteration in 2026, 15 years after the passing of Ollie Blake-Brennan.”
For more information or to donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/blakers-cup
