In August 2019, Geoff Sim of Southampton suffered an idiopathic cardiac arrest, aged just 49, during a veterans’ football match for Follands vs Hedge End. In honour of the emergency services who saved his life, and the charities he holds dear, Geoff is hosting the Queen’s Jubilee ‘Alive and Kicking’ charity fun day at Follands Sports Football Club, Kings Avenue, Hamble, SO31 4NF on the 03rd June 2022. 

 All proceeds will go towards the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Wessex Heartbeat and Mountbatten Hospice charities whose fundraising has no doubt been afflicted by the COVID pandemic so in more need of support now than ever.  The day is due to kick-off at 10a.m. with a junior football tournament, followed by the celebrity veterans’ match played out between Follands and Hedge End, there will be lots of other attractions including a fire engine and Sammy the Saint with food and refreshments on sale throughout the day. In the evening there will be a ticketed event with live music provided by talented local musician Calum Lintott and a charity auction with all proceeds going towards the three charities.

Geoff said:  “We are hoping to raise as much money as possible to help the three charities to continue to deliver their crucial services. I owe a huge thank you to my team mates and opponents who administered CPR at the scene and to the doctors and paramedics from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, who worked alongside the road crew from South Central Ambulance Service. It is thanks to their quick actions that I am alive today and I want to repay them by raising as much money at our fun day as possible. 

I hope to see you all there on the Friday 03rd June 2022 to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee and have a fantastic day!!”