MORE than 1,100 people turned out to a benefit game for former non-league footballer Andy Culliford at Poole Town Football Club yesterday.

The match between a Poole Town XI and a Select XI was organised by Tony Avery, who jointly owns the BriT Pub in Ashley Cross.

He was aiming to raise money for his long-time friend, a Poole-based ex-firefighter who suffers from motor neurone disease and pays £400 a day for lifesaving drugs.

Around £6,000 was generated by gate receipts alone and Mr Avery was hoping to at least double that with additional proceeds from a raffle and an auction.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall were among a raft of well-known names that took part in the match.

Former Dean Court manager Harry Redknapp and Premier League hotshot Charlie Austin – once a Poole Town star – were also present.

QPR striker Austin told the Daily Echo: “It was great to see 1,100 people come out and it just shows what football can do.

“Andy needs all the support he can get and the event just showed that everyone is behind him.

“I came along to show my support just like everybody else and I wish I could have played.”

Supporters witnessed Poole Town edge a 6-5 victory over the Select XI and Mr Avery was delighted at the turnout for the event.

He said: “I was hoping that 1,000-plus people would come and we’ve had more than 1,100, so I’m very pleased.

“When situations like this arise, people do pull together. Poole Town is a fantastic family club and everyone has done us proud.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation in support of Culliford can do so by paying into the Andy Culliford Benefit Fund.

The account number for the NatWest account is 46136738 and the sort code is 52-41-37.

For further information visit the website andrewculliford.com.