A CHARITY football match took place over the weekend as two sides played each other for 24 hours straight.

In total, 38 players featured in the day-long game which kicked off on Saturday at Furness Cavaliers’ ground.

The match was organised by Barrow AFC’s Community Trust as they put out a team to face representatives from the Barrow and District Junior Football League (BDJFL).

The match was part of a fundraiser for the BDJFL and the improvement of disabled facilities at AFC's Holker Street.

A £5000 target was set by the organisers, but this had already been met by the time the game kicked off at 6pm.

Playing for the BDJFL side was Ross Longmire and Andy Ireland from Walney Island Yellows.

Ross was left feeling shattered after playing for 16 hours in the game and not sleeping throughout the whole event.

He said after the game: “I can’t move my legs – they are in actual bits.

“It wasn’t until Tuesday just gone that I was called up to the team and I just thought: ‘Oh my god what have I got myself into?’

“I’m over the moon that I took part and happy to have helped such a great cause.

“My little boy came on the pitch at the end, because I had given my all for 24 hours I just dropped to my knees and hugged him.

“Unfortunately, we were on the losing team, but we don’t believe every goal was counted!”

In the end, the Barrow Community and Trust side beat the BDJFL team by 262 goals to 234, with Ross, who was sponsored by KR Barbers for the match, coming up with 22 of his own.

When the final whistle brought an end to this marathon game on Sunday evening, hundreds gathered on the touchline to celebrate a memorable occasion.

As of Monday evening the fundraiser has raised £6902 from donations.

To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/craig-rutherford-1