Community football match scores £3930 charity win

The event was organised by Callum and Lewis Corbett, Gary Braithwaite, Chris McNally and Jamie Dillon, all of whom work at SAFRAN Electronics and Defense. Callum and Lewis are also the sons of former employee David “Dippa” Hipwood.

Last year saw the first match organised in memory of David, who was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer at the age of 50 and died in April 2025. He had worked at SAFRAN for 38 years before retiring in December 2020.

David, a father of four, was known for his cutting remarks and dry sense of humour. His colleagues arranged the first charity football match in August last year, close to David’s birthday, and said they would hold one annually.

His two eldest sons Callum and Lewis captain the teams of friends, family and colleagues, raising money for worthy causes close to their hearts.

This year also marked the introduction of a new annual tribute to another former SAFRAN colleague Pat Robinson who died in February 2025 after a short illness. Pat will be honoured with a dedicated Man of the Match trophy each year.

This year’s match, at Penkridge Sports and Recreation Centre, raised more than £1,900 with an additional £2000 contribution from SAFRAN. All proceeds will go directly to Your RWTC, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s charity, with funds specifically supporting the Heart and Lung Centre at New Cross Hospital.

Two teams, Team Lewis (blue) and Team Callum (red) faced off in intense summer heat, delivering a competitive and entertaining match for spectators. After a closely fought game earlier this month, Team Callum secured a 3–2 victory, retaining the trophy for another year.

Callum said “It was a fantastic day full of energy, emotion and community spirit.

“Honouring Dippa and Pat in this way means a great deal to us and knowing the funds raised will support the Heart and Lung Centre makes it even more special. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, played or came along and we’re already excited for next year.”

Amie Rogers, Fundraising Officer for Your RWTC added “Thank you to Callum and everyone involved in this wonderful event.

“The funds raised will make a meaningful difference to patients cared for at the Heart and Lung Centre and it’s inspiring to see such dedication in honouring Dippa and Pat. Community support like this helps us go further for our patients and their families.”

Supporters can continue to donate via the event’s JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/dippas-charity-match