A charity football match between former Bow schoolboys has raised hundreds of pounds for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Rekindling a friendly rivalry, the two teams were made up of friends from Bow Boys and Blessed John Roache secondary schools, which all the players had previously attended between them.

Organiser Darrell Rabess, 27, formerly of Wager Street, Mile End, sponsored and promoted the game through his personal training company, Simply Rabess.

“It went really well, better than anyone could have hoped for,” he said.

“The match created great community spirit and it was a good way for the men to relive their youths.”

Anthony Nolan is a pioneering charity that saves the lives of people with blood cancer needing a blood stem cell, or bone marrow transplant.

The match took place last Friday, finishing 4-2 to Bow Boys with Anton Dwyer, 28, formerly of Talwin Street, scoring twice for the victors.

Mr Dwyer played semi-professionally for Conference-side Thurrock FC until recently and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to reunite with old friends whilst giving something back.

He said: “It was fantastic to be back in my hometown where I first learnt to play football, having a great time for such a great cause.”

The event was such a huge success there are already plans for a follow up tournament to be held next year.

For information on future events follow Mr Rabess on Twitter @simplyrabess