***POST-EVENT UPDATE***

We did it!!! We are world record breakers!!! The sixteen lads played for 25 hours, beating the previous record by 30 minutes. In the final reckoning, the Lionhearts pipped the Bravehearts by 502-323. Top goalscorer was Lee with 168 (although most of those were laid on a plate to him). An amazing effort from all the lads and each and every volunteer who came along. Thanks for all the support and donations.

This site will stay open while we continue publicising the event and collecting sponsorship, so please visit again to see what the total climbs to. We are very humbled to have smashed our initial target. Thanks again everyone.

Jon, Andrea and Zoe

Here's our original message...

Thanks for visiting our fundraising page.

On April 4/5 myself and a bunch of foolhardy friends will be trying to break the official Guinness World Record (TM) for the longest ever five-a-side football marathon. The current record is 24 hours and 30 minutes!

We're raising money for the Children's Heart Surgery Fund - you can read more about them on this page. My daughter Zoe had life-saving open heart surgery when she was three weeks old and my wife Andrea and I want to raise as much money as possible to say a massive "thank you" to everyone involved with the Children's Heart Surgery Fund and the heart unit at the Leeds General Infirmary that the fund raises money for. You can see a picture of Zoe on this page - she's now a very bubbly and healthy two-year-old.

Our initial target is to raise enough money to buy a pod used to transfer babies between hospitals - the children's heart unit is in desperate need of a new one.

Any money raised over the target amount needed to buy the baby transfer pod will go towards the refurbishment of the playroom in the children's heart ward.

Here's the official bit from Justgiving: Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to donate: Children's Heart Surgery Fund gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Whichever one of the squad you are supporting, we are all massively grateful. Thank you very much. Here's to becoming World Record breakers on April 5!!!

Jon Arnold (and on behalf of all the other players)