
A 7-a-side football tournament, organised by LMAC Group and DNA Insurance was held at Billericay Town F.C., which welcomed 19 teams (almost 200 keen footballers) from local Essex based businesses, and LMAC Group and DNA Insurance clients and co-workers, to battle it out against each other to win the title.

The event was a joint effort, and masterminded by Lee McDowell of LMAC Group and Danny Imray from DNA Insurance, both big football lovers and major supporters of charity, Spread a Smile. Friends for over 20 years they’ve previously held and organised individual charity events, but post pandemic they wanted to create something much bigger, and raise even more for the cause.
Raising a phenomenal £20,224 for Spread a Smile via on the day event sponsors, a raffle, individual donations and team entry costs, they also held an auction with incredible items up for grabs, including Tyson Fury signed trunks and a Floyd Mayweather signed glove, signed football memorabilia, luxury hotel stays and much more.
Alongside the players on the day, West Ham legends, Sir Trevor Brooking, Tony Gale, and Mark Ward turned up to cheer on the teams and share some of their stories, as well as talk to all those taking part about the important work Spread a Smile does; bringing joy and laughter to sick children in hospitals, clinical settings, hospices and homes across the UK.
Through in-person and virtual visits, their renowned entertainers – from magicians to face-painters and therapy dogs – generate moments of distraction and excitement, helping young patients and their families to face their health challenges with optimism and positivity.
As a thank you for their incredible work in organising this event, Lucy Jackson, CEO Spread a Smile, said: “We dedicated a hospital visit at St Mary’s Hospital to Lee, Danny, and all those who took part in and organised the tournament.
“Collectively they raised an incredible amount of money for us, which will help fund our work locally and across the UK, supporting seriously ill children in hospital. We can’t thank Lee, Danny and everyone involved enough. It’s only with the help of our supporters organising events, introducing us to their peers and helping spread the word of our work that we can continue to spread smiles far and wide.”