Charitable football talents from Witchford have raised over £700 to help two local footballers’ rehabilitation after they were involved in a hit and run earlier this month.

Ely Standard: Action from the charity match between Witchford Colts under 11s and under 12s.Action from the charity match between Witchford Colts under 11s and under 12s. (Image: Archant)

Shaun Whiter, 27, and 30-year-old Joey Abbs, who plays for Soham Town Rangers, were left with serious injuries after a car smashed into them while they were changing a tyre in Newmarket on July 1.

Shaun’s injuries were so severe that both his legs were amputated below the knee and Joey has been forced to wear a knee brace.

The men’s friends, family and the local football community have rallied round to help them, with the kitty now standing at over £85,000 – including a generous donation of £711 from Witchford Colts.

Two of the East Cambs club’s youth sides – the under 11 and under 12s – met at Witchford Recreational Ground on July 26, and under 12s team coach, Alfie Tate, says that his players were happy to help the cause.

Ely Standard: Over £700 was raised from the match on July 26.Over £700 was raised from the match on July 26. (Image: Copyright:Andrew Harding)

“The charity match was a huge success,” he said. “Our target before the night was £500 so we’ve gone well beyond our aim.

“With the great support of the public, who I can’t thank enough, we’ve beaten our target and that’s what made the night a bit more emotional.

“I know that sum of money is going to help them so much and I’m thrilled that I could be a part of it with the support of some great people.

“It was a great game of football and my boys in particular played some very attractive football. I think all the supporters who came down enjoyed the match as there were quite a few goals in each half.”

The two JustGiving pages set up for Shaun and Joey can be found here and here.