'Very generous gesture' by baker

SPRINGHEAD AFC U12s Owls are presented with their kit by L.Smith Bakery. Pictured front, from left, Lawrence Smith, captain Zak Wareing (12) and Pat Kirk

A KIND-HEARTED baker has sought no praise after purchasing a new kit for an under-12s football team.

Instead Lawrence Smith of L. Smith Bakery chose to promote the work of Dr Kershaw's Hospice which supports residents with life-limiting illnesses.

Rather than seizing the opportunity to put his Abbey Hills Road business in the limelight he requested that the jackets worn by Springhead AFC under 12's Owls feature the Dr Kershaw's logo.

The selfless act was also made in connection with the late Steve Kirk who died in February and received end-of-life care at Dr Kershaw's. His widow Pat attended the kit handover on Saturday, April 8.

Pat and Lawrence also presented a cheque for £100 to Alison Taylor, community fundraiser at the hospice, who said: "We want to say a huge thank you to Lawrence Smith Bakery for their support."

Voluntary coach Gareth Leach said: "We received the kind donation for training jackets but the bakery didn't want their logo on the kit.

"They have links with Dr Kershaw's who gave permission for us to use theirs instead.

"This was a very generous gesture."

Next year the team hope to travel on tour to the Nou Camp Stadium, in Barcelona, to take part in their annual summer tournament.

Sponsors to support the 12-member squad travel to Europe are asked to contact Gareth on 07870 911048 or gareth3080@gamil.com.