Surprise from Albion boss at quiz night

Members of The New Shoreham-by-Sea Facebook page created a warm atmosphere on a damp October night last Wednesday to raise money for cancer sufferer Charlie Hilton.

The 15-year-old joined in The Italian Job quiz night with a team of friends and family at the council chamber in Adur Civic Centre, which had been donated as the venue.

Quiz master Peter Latham, chairman of governors at Charlie’s school, Shoreham Academy, led the evening but was happy to be loudly interrupted by Worthing town crier Bob Smytherman as he announced the arrival of Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber.

Charlie and friends were delighted to see the Albion boss, who took along a signed shirt for auction.

There was an extra surprise from Mr Barber, who knew Charlie is a Liverpool fan and said he had been on the phone to friends at the club.

“They said I was asking for tickets for the biggest game of the season against Real Madrid, but when they heard about Charlie’s bravery, they agreed immediately,” said Mr Barber, adding that Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club had arranged train tickets for Charlie to travel to Liverpool.

Councillor Emma Evans announced after the evening that ‘an incredible’ £2,000 had been raised.

“All achieved from one post on this page exactly two weeks ago today,” she announced on the Facebook group. “Not only that but we still have the sealed bid auction which we are still adding ‘lots’ to.”