Award-winning caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure is marking the World Cup with a fundraising initiative, 60 years after the company’s chairman saw England win the World Cup.

Salop Leisure will donate £50 to Severn Hospice for every goal England scores during the World Cup. If England wins the tournament, the final amount will be doubled.

Tony Bywater, Chairman of Salop Leisure, was at Wembley Stadium for the 1966 World Cup final, which famously saw England defeat West Germany. It was the same year that Salop Leisure was established.

Tony had to attend 10 games during the 1966 tournament to qualify for tickets to the final. He saw Pelé famously get injured at Goodison Park and a game at Old Trafford. He also got to see Eusebio, his favourite player, with a comeback for the ages. “I’ll always remember the game between Portugal and Korea DPR. Korea DPR were 3-0 up in the first 25 minutes, but then Eusebio gave a legendary performance that saw Portugal score 5 goals!”

Tony then saw England scrape through the semifinals against Portugal, before attending the final where England won the World Cup. “I was standing behind the goal when Sir Geoff Hurst scored that controversial goal – I didn’t think it had gone in! It was a wonderful atmosphere when we won. I wasn’t very old then and was in charge of driving our group home. I should have had a parking ticket, but everyone was so happy they let me off! I drove us back to Shrewsbury where the celebrations continued.”

When Sir Geoff Hurst became manager of Telford United, he organised a charity match where the 1966 England World Cup winners played Telford, and Hurst scored against his own team. Tony was a linesman at the event.

Tony adds, “I’ve always liked sports, and I’m looking forward to watching the World Cup this summer.”

Ed Glover, Head of Marketing at Salop Leisure, said they are pleased to support Severn Hospice as part of the World Cup proceedings. “Of course, the whole team here are already rooting for England to do well in this year’s World Cup, so to have the added benefit of supporting our 2026 charity as part of the excitement will add to the celebrations for every goal scored. Let’s hope England can bring it home like they did in 1966!”

Jenny Bean, Fundraising Manager at Severn Hospice adds, “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone at Salop Leisure for coming up with such a fun and creative way to support Severn Hospice. As their Charity of the Year, it’s fantastic to see them combining these special anniversary celebrations and their love of football with fundraising for local families living with incurable illness.

“We’ll certainly be cheering on every England goal, knowing it will help raise vital funds for our care.

“Our services are provided free of charge and support from businesses like Salop Leisure is invaluable in helping us continue to care. We’re hugely thankful for their ongoing commitment and look forward to seeing how much can be raised throughout the tournament.”