Carlisle United Stadium Announcer Steve Dunn is, as those of you who know him are well aware, quite a cheeky chappy so it came as no surprise at all when, back in September last year, he decided to contact Chas Smash from iconic pop band Madness, to discuss a rather interesting idea that he'd had.

Steve explained: "We were using the Madness track One Step Beyond for the players to run out to anyway, and I made contact with an agent who knew Chas who then said that he would let him know what we were up to.

"That very quickly became a request for Chas to re-record the opening sequence of lyrics for us, to make it specific to Carlisle United. Unbelievably he agreed without hesitation. By the time we got in to October the track had already arrived at Brunton Park, and we were able to start using it."

The new lyrics for the opening of the track say - HEY YOU, DON'T WATCH THAT, WATCH THIS, CARLISLE UNITED AT BRUNTON PARK ... and the familiar tune then follows as the players take to the pitch.

On receipt of the track, Steve contacted Chas to find out if the club could do anything by way of thanks for the gesture. It quickly transpired that Chas is heavily involved with a charity in Ibiza known as APNEEF (Asociacion de Niños con Necesidades Especiales de Ibiza y Formentera). APNEEF provide full time care for over 100 severely physically and mentally disabled children and, as with any charity, welcome any help they can get.

Chas made it clear that the only payment he wanted was some sort of donation for the charity, either by way of clothes or toys, and that it should go directly to the children.

Steve Dunn took up the challenge and, in association with Carlisle United, put together a box full of toys and games for the kids (pic top right shows Danny Graham with the box prior to posting).

Helping to get the toys to Ibiza were members of 'Safe Club' - a club jointly run by Carlisle City Council's Sport & Recreation Team and the Carlisle Police Force.

Tracy Gannon of the Sport & Rec team said: "Safe Club is an initiative that gives 11-17 year olds a positive and safe environment to break down territorial barriers, and it assists them in keeping healthy through sport and recreation."

 
The members of Safe Club donated subscription money from a number of sessions to assist with the transportation cost of the toys, and presented a cheque to Steve at the Trinity Leisure Club just before Christmas.
 
We are delighted to report that the consignment of toys and games has now safely arrived with APNEEF, and the boys and girls are getting the full benefit of the donation.
 
President of APNEEF Carmen Bond said: "We'd like to take this opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation from all of the parents and children of APNEEF to a specific number of individuals who have outdone themselves with recent efforts to support our cause.

"As President of APNEEF, I speak on behalf of all of our 101 special needs children and their families when I say that we feel blessed to have the support of so many generous individuals.
 
"From volunteers to sponsors and those who donate, together every single person has helped make a positive difference to our cause. Whilst it would be impossible for me to name every one of those involved, at this point I must especially thank Mr Cathal Smyth (aka Chas Smash) of Madness fame. Not only did he perform an exclusive acoustic set at one of our charity events, he has also been the catalyst behind the collaboration of Carlisle United Football Club, and in particular Mr Stephen Dunn, in fundraising for APNEEF.
 
"We can only thank them and the people of Carlisle for all their kindness and efforts and, of course, their wonderful package of games for our children. We look forward to strengthening the bond between us over time."
 
To find out more about the fantastic work that Chas and Madness do for APNEEF, go to http://www.myspace.com/thebutterflyball
 
To see the kids in their United tops, click HERE.
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