Just under 200 people took part in a 24 hour football match to raise awareness and money for mental health in Somerset. The idea for the event came from Scott, Jamie and Callum Laird, three brothers whose family were affected by mental health a few years ago.

Supported and hosted at the College, the fundraiser started at 3pm on the new 3G surface before moving into the College’s sports hall. The match returned to the 3G pitch at 8am, with 50 boy and girls taking part in small sided games.

A raffle and ‘guess the total amount of goals scored across the 24 hours’ helped raise money, with the winner of the goals competition receiving a Bristol City FC football signed by the first team squad after guessing closest to the 631 goals scored.

Team BTC Manager, Jamie Laird said; “We wanted to do something that would raise mental health awareness as this is something very close to our hearts. Our mother was in and out of hospital with depression and anxiety a few years ago. It took a huge toll on us, not just our mother but the whole family. The following year was a very testing time, but we got through it with the support from amazing friends and family.”

“We’re all keen footballers, so we came up with the idea of bringing people together through playing the sport we love. It was fantastic to see so many people support the event, from little four year olds all the way up to 60 year olds. We were truly blown away by people’s generosity and can’t thank everyone enough.”

Just over £2,500 was raised through donations on the day and the Laird’s Justgiving page. All money will go towards MIND Somerset, which is a charity supporting people in Somerset suffering from mental health issues.