Alongside other MPs, celebrities and sporting stars, I played in a charity football match on Tuesday to help raise money for vital research to beat cystic fibrosis.

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After their shock defeat last year, the Cystic Fibrosis Team (CFT) XI reclaimed the trophy by a narrow 6-5 margin, despite a goal from myself with the outside of my right boot from the edge of the penalty box which flew into the top corner.

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CFT XI skipper Dalton Grant bagged a superb hat-trick in what was an even contest involving Mark McLennan, a 29-year-old with cystic fibrosis.• Other players included Angus Deayton, British high jumper Dalton Grant, Olympic rowing champion Mark Hunter DJ Spoony and Gavin Ramjaun.

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The event was sponsored by National Grid who handed over a cheque for £20,000 at the start of the game -; the charity hope to have raised a further £10,000 from those supporters who took part.

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The annual fixture between MPs and celebrities in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust is now in its eleventh year. Sponsored by the National Grid, the charity football match was launched in memory of Nicky West, who had cystic fibrosis and was a tireless ambassador for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. This year’s game was all the more poignant as it is the Trust’s 50th year.

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Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic condition -; only half live to celebrate their 40th birthday. It causes the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, to become clogged with thick sticky mucus, resulting in chronic infections and inflammation of the lungs.

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It’s fantastic to participate in these events to support and raise money for such a worthy cause. The funds raised go toward helping people across the UK, including those with cystic fibrosis here in Edinburgh.

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I was delighted to get on the score sheet, which is a rare occurrence for me. Team mates have told me that it’s a contender for Goal of the Season!

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