Community rallies behind Callum Doe to raise more than £4,000 at annual King of the Cup competition in Diss

The annual self-proclaimed ‘world’s greatest single goal knockout competition’ in Diss enjoyed one of its best years to date, as hundreds lent their support in aid of a young boy diagnosed with a brain tumour.

More than 300 people made the trip to Rectory Meadow on Good Friday for the 2019 King of the Cup competition – a signature community event in the town’s calendar, which this year raised over £4,000.

Played out in warm conditions over the course of a gruelling six hours and 45 minutes, the football match saw more than 60 competitors gradually whittled down to one eventual champion – 16-year-old Kyle Halil – while the junior competition was won by Alfie Chenery.

Off the pitch, spectators enjoyed a range of activities, including a bouncy castle, barbecue, music and a prize raffle.

This year, the tournament was held for the benefit of Callum Doe, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour after being hospitalised on Christmas Eve, and subsequently underwent surgery and radiotherapy.

His dad Ian was among those competing in the match, which raised money to help his family fund visits to numerous places around the country on the 13-year-old’s wish list.

Callum’s mum Michelle told the Diss Express: “It was a bit emotional. It was just so amazing that all these people came along.

“People we don’t know are coming forward and getting behind us. It’s lovely to know that people do care.

“It was a really great atmosphere and people were all so happy to be there. It was a lovely day.”

Mrs Doe said that the family hoped to use the money to take Callum on various trips, including Skegness, Legoland and Chessington.

Bobby Kilkenny, joint organiser of King of the Cup, which is now in its 18th year, hailed the success of the day, adding that the organisers were amazed at how the event has grown into one of the landmark yearly events in Diss.

“It’s a massive surprise to everyone,” he said. “It was only set up as a way for us to have a kickabout. We didn’t plan on it becoming something like this.

“We asked on Facebook for suggestions and, as always, there were a lot of worthy causes, but Callum stood out because he is a local lad and it’s awful what’s happened.

“There was a fantastic turnout. It will go a long way towards paying for the day trips for Callum.”