A big crowd turned out to support a charity football match inspired by two brave teenagers.

Eastern Daily Press: Ellie Shaul and Jack Long at the Holt football match held to benefit their chosen charitiesEllie Shaul and Jack Long at the Holt football match held to benefit their chosen charities (Image: Archant)

Friends Ellie Shaul and Jack Long teamed up to hold the game for causes close to their heart.

Ellie, 17, and 15-year-old Jack, who have both battled cancer, kicked off the match at Holt Football Club.

Several hundred people cheered the players on, helping to raising more than £5,700 on the day.

Ellie's team came out on top 5-4 with Jack making an appearance for his side.

Diagnosed with brain tumour two years ago Ellie, from Briston, has been left with a number of complications including type 2 diabetes.

She is now completing an apprenticeship, working as a receptionist at Fakenham Sports Centre. After suffering severe leg pain and breathing difficulties 15-year-old Jack, from Beeston Regis, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in December.

Ellie supported the Sick Children's Trust and Brain Tumour Charity and Jack the Teenage Cancer Trust and Jenny Lind Children's Department at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, where he has been having treatment.

The event was organised by Ellie's mum and dad Trevor and Lorraine and Jack's parents Chris and Kirsty.

Mr Shaul, who played in the match, said: 'We are overwhelmed by how much was raised and did not expect to achieve that at all. The football was played in a good spirit, the weather was brilliant for us and hundreds of people turned up.

He added: 'We have known Jack for quite a long while. He originally lived in the same village as us, went to school with Ellie's brother Bradley and took part in a football match arranged when she came out of hospital.'

It is hoped another game can be organised next year following the success of the fundraiser.

Football fanatic Jack is a Norwich City season ticket holder and plays for Sheringham Youth.

Mum Kirsty said: 'Jack missed a few matches at Carrow Road, but made sure he watched all Sheringham's games.

'He has improved a lot in the last week and has been able to go out and be a teenager again. After missing some school he is raring to go in September.'

She added: 'The care the Teenage Cancer Trust provided was amazing. We wanted to help give what they gave us to someone else. The staff at Jenny Lind do everything they can to make life as easy as possible and lighten the situation without ignoring the seriousness.'