FOOTBALL was the common cause that brought people together in the name of charity.

A tournament was held between teams from Catholic United, Old Southendians, Leigh Ramblers, Rochford Town and guest team, Milton Athletic.

Organiser Sinclair Walton hopes to raise up to £3,000 to be split between Fair Havens Hospice and ME Research UK.

The event, in its fourth year, was held in memory of Michael Healy who died aged 38. Michael, of Westcliff, was a former footballer with a team from the Bull pub, in Hawkwell. It was also in support of Matt Stone, 29, of Shoebury Road, Thorpe Bay, who suffers from chronic ME.

Mr Walton said: "Matt needs 24-hour care after being affected by ME for the past seven years. He became ill after he had graduated.

"His parents receive a lot of support from the ME charity so we like to split the money raised between both charities.

"Both Matt and Michael loved football and played themselves. It is always a good day and people are very generous. We also auctioned a cricket bat signed by the Indian cricket team and a signed ball and shirt from Southend United."