A Dudley sight loss charity that has taken a battering from Covid has just been given a major boost – from a soccer tournament that didn’t take place!

The Sedgley-based Beacon Centre for the Blind supports people with sight problems across the borough and so far Covid had cost it a staggering £700,000.

So it was delighted when the organisers of the JW Hunt Cup said they would carry on supporting it, even though the tournament has had to be cancelled for the first time in over 90 years because of Covid.

The Cup has its home at the Wolverhampton Wanderers ground and involves non-league teams from across the region.

It has played on through rain and shine - and even a World War. And while coronavirus may have finally stopped play, it failed to prevent the organisers continuing to raise funds.

The historic contest kicked off in 1926 and since then has raised £369,000 for the sight loss charity.

This year, despite Covid, it was able to donate £9,000.

Cup President Alex Hamil said: “We were very disappointed it couldn’t go ahead last year but we were determined to carry on supporting the Beacon Centre.

“We are still hoping to be able to resume our competition later this year, but we remain committed to fundraising for the Beacon Centre as they need our support more than ever.”

Beacon Centre Chief Executive Lisa Cowley added: “Our charity has lost almost £700,000 because of the impact of Covid-19, so the fantastic support we receive from the JW Hunt Cup means more than ever to us.

Cup organisers are currently running a raffle to raise more funds. To support it email alexhamil@outlook.com