MIRTH, mayhem and a good old-fashioned kickabout have all helped swell the fund for the MRI Scanner Appeal.

Friendly rivalry was in abundance as fundraisers from all walks of life took part in three separate events, all with the emphasis on fun.

Kicking off proceedings last Wednesday (April 29) was a football match at Stanley Park between Blackpool Borough Council and Victoria Hospital.

It started when hospital finance worker Steve Thompson challenged former colleague Andrew Pollock, now working for the council, to a match.

And although the former's team, which were lent football shirts by Blackpool Football Club, were beaten 13-1, it was an event enjoyed so much by both teams that they are hoping to make it an annual event.

Council team captain Phil Baron commented: "Thirteen was a lucky number for us.

"The match was played in very good spirits and both sides were good sports.

"It was a thoroughly enjoyable way to raise money for such a good cause."

Steve Thompson added: "Neither team had played together before, but a lot of the council lads play on a Sunday so they gelled together - unlike us."

Team tactics were also need on Bank Holiday Monday for the It's A Knockout tournament at Bloomfield Road football ground.

Competitors were made up of teams Victoria Hospital, Trinity Hospice, Bargain Booze, Blackpool Police, Splash FM, Blackpool Unison, Blackpool and the Fylde College and a martial arts group.

All took part in games with plenty of water, foam and fancy dress courtesy of Johnny Gibbons' touring It's A Knockout show.

At least £400 was believed to have been raised with Splash FM named as the overall winner.

Meanwhile, up the coast at Rossall School pupils took each other on in a stretcher race.

The aim was to complete as many circuits of the school square as possible in one hour.

Runners donned fancy dress and carried stretchers weighed down with sandbags.

Some Rossalians also gave a lift to MRI director of fundraising Ramesh Gandhi who turned up to give moral support.

Commenting on the events, Mr Gandhi said: "Everyone is making a huge effort to reach the target of £1.9 million and we will achieve this.

"We really need this equipment in Blackpool - the people deserve it so much."

The fund currently stands at £1,266,008.

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