Jamie Groves, Regional Development Director at Funeral Partners, and his friend Charlotte Styles, are the driving force behind Goals 4 GOSH – an annual football match featuring former Premier League players and stars of social media, television and music for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity).
The pair have now been celebrated in the charity’s first ever Together For Childhood Awards which celebrates members of the GOSH Charity community for their efforts.
Speaking after winning The Care Award, Jamie said: “To be honest, I didn’t realise there were even awards going on.
“Getting chosen, as the winner was a bit mind-blowing.
“Every single penny makes such a difference when it comes to the hospital’s equipment, beds and everything else.
“They rely so much on the funding that the charity provides.
“So, it is a massive thanks to every single player, volunteer, supporter and everybody involved.”
Jamie and Charlotte both have personal connections to Great Ormond Street, and Charlotte said she thought Jamie was ‘bonkers’ when he suggested the first Goals 4 GOSH match in 2021, with just six weeks to prepare.
She added: “It’s incredible to have won the awards, and it’s such a lovely thing to receive.”
As well as the annual match – which is due to return in May and will once again be supported by Funeral Partners and their funeral plan company Choice– Goals 4 GOSH regularly sends teams to support other fundraisers and run other smaller events to support the charity. Jamie himself also completed several physical challenges to raise sponsorship money.
Nominations for the first-ever Together for Childhood Awards were shortlisted by a diverse panel of judges, made up of charity volunteers and committee members.
Comedian and former GOSH patient Alex Brooker then had the privilege of selecting the winners.
He said: “Having been a GOSH patient myself, I know first-hand the impact your support has on the patients, families and staff at the hospital, making it the remarkable place it is today.”
For more information about Goals 4 GOSH, search for them on Instagram or TikTok at @Goals4Gosh.
