A football enthusiast from St Ives is set to take on an epic endurance challenge to raise money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Andy Cranch, 61, is aiming to complete an incredible 100,000 keepy-uppies in 24 hours, starting at 5am on Thursday, June 11, under the bandstand at The Waits. He hopes to average around 6,000 an hour, finishing in approximately 16 hours. Andy, player-manager of the Over-60 England Veterans and part of the England Seniors team that won the 2024 World Cup, said: “It’s going to be tough, but I’m a great believer in pushing myself to the limit. There’s no point doing something like this if it’s not going to be a major challenge. It’ll be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and it’s going to take real determination, persistence and concentration, but I can be very stubborn and single-minded when I need to be. I’m determined to achieve my goal and can’t wait to get started.”
The challenge coincides with the start of this summer’s World Cup and takes place just ahead of Children’s Hospice Week (15–21 June), which raises awareness of children’s palliative care services across the UK. Andy has a long history of fundraising for EACH. In 2023, he raised more than £3,500 by completing 1,000 keepy-uppies at all 92 Football League clubs, travelling 3,000 miles in the process. He also organised a charity football match featuring former Premier League players, raising over £5,000 for the charity.
Andy said: “What I’m about to do is taking things to a whole new level. It’s going to be gruelling and any support I get on the day – whether that’s donations or words of encouragement – will spur me on.” Supporters are encouraged to come along on the day or sponsor Andy to help raise funds for EACH. For more information about EACH, including events and how you can help raise funds, visit www.each.org.uk or call us on 01223 800 800.
