In the space of just two weeks, a ‘silly idea on Twitter’ initiated by a social media influencer and Wycombe Wanderers fan would help raise more than £700 for several charities.

Following the end of the Chairboys’ 2022/23 season at the start of the month, the club confirmed that members of the public would be able to play on the Adams Park pitch before a new turf is laid.

After hearing the news, George Gutteridge, who is best known for running the Wycombe Way Twitter page, suggested that a match between two sets of the club’s fans and associates should take place.

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Originally said in jest, many people on the platform agreed that a fixture of some kind should happen.

And within a 14-day period, 44 people had signed up to take part, four teams were formed, 60 tickets were purchased, kits were supplied, a photographer was in attendance, officials were in place, with two ‘managers’ being in dugouts giving out orders. 

The fundraiser eventually took place on Wednesday, May 17, when the four teams (aptly named One, Two, Three, and Four), would play one half each.

The first 45-minute clash saw Team One lose 4-2 to Team Two, whilst in the second encounter, Team Three drew 5-5 with Team Four before the latter won 9-8 in a penalty shootout.

Collectively, money raised from the event was donated to Prostate Cancer UK, the PDK Charity (Polycystic Kidney Disease) and the One Can Trust.

George, who has been following the club all his life, told the Free Press: “Tonight [May 17] has been fantastic.

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“It began as a silly idea on Twitter, but we ended up with 44 people signing up to play, and 60 people giving up their Wednesday night to watch the two games.

“It really has been a wonderful evening raising money for three charities.

“Everyone had a laugh and enjoyed the occasion, but they all paid their way in and we’ve raised a lot of money for the charities which are very close to me and to the club.

“We raised £225 for Prostate Cancer UK which is a charity close to the club following the sad passing of Bill Turnbull last year, and £286 for the One Can Trust due to the current cost of living crisis.

“Also, we raised £265 for PKD Charity.

“This is a disease that my mum and myself suffer from and we’re hoping the money donated will help find live-saving treatment.

On making it an annual event, he added: "This is just the start, and next year we’ll try and make it bigger and better and we’ll try and raise even more money with even more people."

One of the stars of the event was 19-year-old Harry Ware, who played in goal for Team Two.

The Wanderers fan travelled from Aberystwyth to take part, and the long trek to Buckinghamshire paid off as he saved a penalty from Thames Valley entrepreneur, Edward Richings, before making a pleather of brilliant saves.

Harry currently plays for Aberystwyth University in the Central Wales Southern Division Mid Wales West Division, which is the country’s equivalent of League Two.

He told the Free Press: “I’ve been supporting the club all my life so being able to play at Adams Park is something I always wanted to do.

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“It’s one to tick off the bucket list and it’s all for charity as well which is great.

“It’s also great to hear that lots of money has been raised and George has done a brilliant job.

“It’s amazing that all of this was done in the space of about two weeks or so and it has paid off.

“Everyone here is in good spirits and the fact that all of this was arranged in little to no time is very impressive.”

To donate to the causes mentioned, visit the following links:

www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/?form=donate

www.pkdcharity.org.uk

www.onecantrust.org.uk

Additionally, follow the Wycombe Way on Twitter to see more footage from the charity match.