Tomsetts Charity Football Match doubles target for KSS Air Ambulance
A fantastic day of football, fundraising and community spirit saw Tomsetts Distribution FC take on Hylab FC in our charity football match at Newhaven FC’s Trafalgar Ground on 26 September, 2026 raising £4,562 for Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Charity.
With nearly 300 spectators cheering from the sidelines, the charity match brought together colleagues, customers, local businesses, friends and families for a memorable day in support of a vital regional charity.
Tomsetts Distribution FC secured a 3–1 victory over Hylab FC, with Managing Director Andrew Tucknott getting himself on the scoresheet twice. But while there was plenty to celebrate on the pitch, the biggest achievement came from the generosity of everyone involved.
Smashing the fundraising target
Thanks to the incredible support of the local community, the event raised an impressive total more than doubling the original fundraising target.
The day was about much more than football, with a raffle and auction offering some fantastic prizes generously donated by businesses and supporters.
Among the highlights were VIP British Superbikes tickets, a Long Man Brewery tour, a two-night Airbnb stay in Alfriston and a curry night with football legends Paul Merson and Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock.
Every ticket purchased, prize donated and contribution made helped push the fundraising total well beyond expectations.
A real team effort
Months of planning went into making the event possible, with employees, volunteers, players, coaches, sponsors and supporters all contributing to its success.
Reflecting on the day, Andrew Tucknott, Managing Director of Tomsetts Distribution, was delighted with both the result and the overwhelming support.
From the 3–1 victory and his two goals to seeing nearly 300 people come together for such a worthwhile cause, it was a day he described as one he would never forget.
Transport Manager Lee Smith was equally enthusiastic, praising the fantastic atmosphere, the football and the support shown by everyone involved. Despite missing a penalty, he was already looking forward to the possibility of a rematch next year!
Supporting a charity that makes a difference
Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Charity provides lifesaving emergency medical care to people across the region, bringing specialist medical teams and equipment to patients when they need them most.
For Tomsetts, a family-run business with strong roots in Newhaven and East Sussex, supporting a charity that serves local communities made the occasion particularly meaningful.
The event demonstrated what can be achieved when local businesses and their communities come together with a shared purpose.
Thank you to everyone involved
Tomsetts Distribution would like to extend a huge thank you to Hylab FC for being such fantastic opponents, Newhaven FC for hosting the match, and every business and individual who donated prizes, sponsored the event, purchased tickets or contributed to the fundraising.
Special thanks also go to everyone who worked behind the scenes, volunteered their time, took to the pitch or came along to cheer on the teams.
The final score may have been Tomsetts 3 – Hylab 1, but the real winner was KSS Air Ambulance Charity.
The final grand total of £4,562 saw 300 people from the community coming together for a very worthwhile cause. A day to remember for everyone at Tomsetts Distribution!
