Football supporters helped achieve a different kind of goal when they raised £650 for charity.

Fundraising delight - Ron Kennedy and Karen Ferreira with Blues' captain Kevin Maher Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Thousands of fans gave to Southend Hospital Foundation's Healing Hearts Appeal, aimed at raising £600,000 for heart monitoring equipment.

Organisers praised the stalwart efforts of those who helped at the match day collection at Roots Hall, home of Southend United.

Foundation trustee Karen Ferreira said: "Unfortunately Southend lost 2-0 to Doncaster, but I said to the people in the boxes if the match went against us, at least by giving to this appeal, they might feel a bit better about it!"

Ron Kennedy, non-executive director of Southend Hospital NHS Trust, said: "We had a very good response to this."

Published Wednesday January 21, 2004

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