Former semi-professional goalie takes part in keeper challenge to raise money for Luton and Dunstable Hospital

A former semi-professional goalkeeper is taking part in a keeper challenge to raise money for the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.

Andy Lomas, who grew up in Dunstable, and played for a number of clubs including Chesham United, is raising money for the Luton and Dunstable Hospitsal Charitable Fund.

The 55-year-old, also known as 'The Cat' is widely recognised as being a Guinness world record holder after saving eight penalties on the bounce for Chesham.

After clearing out his attic Andy found some old-school outfits and decided to post a series of videos of him attempting to replicate any of his eight Guinness world record breaking penalty saves, complete some keeper drills and warm up routines, to raise money for charity.

Ashley Waller, Andy's friend, set up the Just Giving page, and will be sharing Andy's videos online.

He said: "Andy and I decided to try and put some smile on peoples faces whilst raising some money for the NHS and in particular our own local Luton and Dunstable Hospital.

"Andy played semi professionally and was quite a character, he would try and get a costume or something on during the game while he was in goal and in the changing rooms he had quite a range of costumes.

"We are part of local Luton leagues football group on Facebook where we share old memories and Andy shared some of his classic pictures and we said that he should make them public.

"He messaged me and said I don't mind making myself look like a fool but let's raise some money for charity while we're at it, so that's what we're doing.

"Andy has quite a big goal in his garden so he is recording videos of him in some costumes and his son, who plays for Norwich City, will be putting him through some drills and having a bit of a laugh.

"These videos will aim to highlight his 'still got it' agility at 55 and showcase some of the amazing throwback outfits that "the cat" would have adorned/carried into the changing room with any club that would have agreed - or not agreed - to 'the wearing of outrageous wigs'.

"These outfits would have not been exclusive to the pitch and would have accompanied him into a number of the countries premier nightspots including Tiffany's, The Pink Elephant and Charlie Browns.

"Andy is taking this very seriously but warned that playing in goal for over 30 years on hard surfaces has taken its toll on his body and he will be needing some time to recover after each video.

"We just want to raise awareness of the amazing work the hospital is doing and help in anyway that we can, at some point everyone is probably going to need their help.

"It is a bit of fun, while trying to support the hospital.

"Times are hard and uncertain, so anything people can give is really appreciated and if you can't donate, maybe just share the fundraising page. The support so far has been great."

The original target of £500 was quickly passed, and the new target of £1,000 has also been reached.

Andy received a message from Arsenal legend Bob Wilson at the weekend, it said: "Hi Andy, thanks for sending and well done you. Glad to see someone being able to bring some humour to this unprecedented situation whilst raising money for a fabulous cause. Love the outfits and the wig – and we’re very impressed with the saves. You’ve still got it! Best wishes

Megs and Bob.”

To make a donation to the Luton and Dunstable Charitable Trust visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/crazy-cat-keeper-challengeTo keep up to date with Andy's efforts visit: www.youtube.com/channel/UCm1s4w1Lbrrpg2EmZKyvsAA.

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