Many a wily fox has outwitted his opponent, but on this occasion it was purely tremendous hard work and endeavour that rewarded Mark Fox.

The highly respected member of East Algarve Walking Football (EAWF) set his sights on raising much needed cash for the Community in Crisis Appeal (Olhão) and Families in Need (Tavira).

On a static rowing machine installed at Tavira’s Black Anchor Irish pub, Mark Fox went ‘hell-for-leather’ and covered 21 kms 97 metres in 89 mins 8 secs and in the process raised €3200, being split equally between the groups in Tavira and Olhão.

Cheque presentation: Back row (L to R) Gary Lipscomb, Vinnie & Joy Kennedy (Black Anchor), Helen Chapman, Mark Fox, Christine & Chris Wright. Kneeling (L to R) Karl Chapman, Tanya Fox & Andy Smith

Jonathan Syed, co-ordinator of the EAWF Community in Crisis Appeal, said, “we thank all sponsors and food contributors who are helping us to maintain essential supplies of food and households goods to over 200 vulnerable adults and children. Foxy’s effort was outstanding and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts.”

EAWF, in partnership with Associação Causa Vibrante and SC Olhanense, established the Community in Crisis Appeal to support families in the Olhão area and the need will be there for many months to come. Although the lockdown is gradually being lifted, the absence of a vibrant tourist economy will have far reaching effects.

Goods can be delivered to the José Arcanjo Stadium (behind McDonalds on the EN125) every Monday between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm. A welcoming cup of coffee and homemade cakes are on offer so why not come along and have a chat; everyone welcome.

Food and household essentials can also be dropped at the Centre Algarve Special Needs Complex (on the Olhão road just outside Moncarapacho) on  Monday to Friday between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm.