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Three Horseshoes DEBRA charity weekend raises £35,000 in Witney

3rd June 2026 (Last updated 12th June 2026)

Four vertical flags are displayed outdoors against a blue sky, promoting DEBRA charity and The Three Horseshoes charity weekend, with messages about supporting EB fundraising events.

A fantastic weekend of fundraising in Witney has brought the community together to support DEBRA UK and people living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The Three Horseshoes Charity Cup attracted football legends, local heroes and thousands of supporters.
Together, they raised £35,034 to help fund care, support and research into EB.

Community comes together to support DEBRA UK

The Three Horseshoes pub in Witney hosted an inspiring charity weekender in aid of DEBRA UK, the national charity supporting people living with EB. The event drew strong support from the local community, creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere focused on making a real difference.
 
The weekend kicked off on Saturday with a special event at the pub, An Evening with Graeme Souness and Matt Le Tissier, which included a meal, auction and meet and greet, giving supporters the chance to hear first-hand about DEBRA UK’s work and the impact of EB.
 
With large crowds attending across the weekend, the event showed how powerful community fundraising can be. Every donation made will help DEBRA UK continue its vital work for people and families affected by EB.
 

Star-studded DEBRA charity football tournament

The highlight of the weekend took place on Sunday 31 May at the MGroup Stadium, home of Oxford City Football Club. The Three Horseshoes DEBRA Charity Cup featured an action-packed football tournament with four competitive teams made up of former professionals, local talent, and well-known personalities.
 
Thousands of fans filled the stands to watch football legends and fan favourites in action. The DEBRA Legends team emerged victorious after a thrilling final, delivering standout performances that kept supporters engaged throughout the day.

A trophy labelled "The Three Horseshoes DEBRA Charity Cup Winners 2026" sits in front of a poster promoting the Three Horseshoes charity weekend for DEBRA.

Three men smiling and posing together in front of a sponsor banner during the Three Horseshoes charity weekend—one in a white shirt, one in a blue DEBRA shirt, and one in a white polo with sunglasses.

Football legends show their support

The tournament featured a high-profile line-up of footballing names who generously gave their time to support DEBRA UK. Players involved included:

  • Dean Saunders
  • Matt Le Tissier
  • Wes Brown
  • Dean Windass
  • David Howells
  • Graeme Souness
  • Gavin Johnson
  • Carlos Edwards
  • Carlton Palmer
  • Mark Wright
  • Ron Atkinson
  • Denis Smith

They were joined by many other former players and personalities, including Oxford Utd Legends James Constable, Chris Allen, Matty Taylor, Steve Basham and Soccer AM favourites Fenners and Tubes.

Graeme Souness CBE, President of DEBRA UK, spoke about the importance of the event:

“It is such a devastating condition and as President I have got to know so many people who this affects. Events like this help raise the profile as well as raising much-needed funds.”

Four men stand together indoors during the Three Horseshoes charity weekend, three smiling whilst one speaks into a microphone; a TV screen is visible in the background.

A group of people sit on wooden benches under a canopy at the Three Horseshoes charity weekend, with fairy lights and decorations overhead.

Making a difference for people living with EB

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare genetic skin conditions that cause the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. With skin as fragile as a butterfly’s wings, it’s often referred to as “butterfly skin”. In severe cases, EB can affect internal organs and can be fatal. There is currently no cure.

DEBRA UK relies entirely on donations and fundraising events like this to continue its work. Funds raised help the charity to:

  • Provide specialist care and support for people and families living with EB
  • Fund pioneering research into effective treatments
  • Work towards finding a cure

Every pound raised brings us closer to improving quality of life for those affected by this painful condition.

 

Thank you to everyone involved

DEBRA UK would like to thank everyone who made the Three Horseshoes Charity Cup such a success. Special thanks go to:

  • The Three Horseshoes pub for organising and hosting the event
  • Oxford City Football Club for providing the MGroup Stadium
  • All sponsors and partners who supported the weekend
  • The players, volunteers and fans who took part

Your support helps us continue our mission to support people living with EB.

 

A sponsor board at the Three Horseshoes charity weekend displays logos and names of supporting companies, with a message at the bottom about stopping the pain of EB and making a difference.

 

Inspired by this event? Organise your own fundraising event, or take part in a challenge or community activity.

Get involved.