Mansfield Town welcomed 15-year-old football fanatic Brett-Lee Callow to One Call Stadium on Monday morning as he performed ‘keepy-uppies’ across the length of the pitch.
The Lincolnshire schoolboy made his first stop of his journey at the oldest professional football ground in the world with his parents to do ‘keepy-uppies’.
He will keep the ball in the air from one end of the pitch to the other at all 92 English football stadiums, with all the money raised being split between ‘Sport Relief’ and ‘Shine’.
Shine is a charity which was formed in 1966, initially to help families and individuals affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Sport Relief was founded in 2002 in association with BBC Sport, and it takes place every two years in March. It brings together the worlds of entertainment and sport; with many celebrities, including David Walliams and Davina McCall, undertaking testing challenges for the worthy cause over the years.
And Brett joins the list of names to dedicate their time to helping people in need, and was happy to overcome his apprehension to complete the first of 92 runs.
“It’s been a brilliant experience. It was my first one so I was a bit nervous doing it but I have enjoyed myself and it’s good to be at the stadium.
“I’ve always wanted to raise money for charity and I love playing football and doing keepy-uppies, so I’m mixing them together.”
The youngster was particularly inspired to raise funds for Shine, as the charity is close to his heart.
“My mum had mild spina bifida so it’s really important to me. I like to give money to other people that aren’t as fortunate as my mum was as hers was only mild.”
Spina Bifida is a birth defect where there is incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord. Physical problems with the condition include leg weakness, abnormal eye movement and skin irritations.
To donate to Brett’s charitable endeavours, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/brettleecallow.
