A man who was diagnosed with cancer hopes he has smashed a world record in Sutton to raise money for fellow sufferers.

James Cullen organised a bubble football match at Sutton United's Gander Green Lane on Sunday (July 30) which involved 56 people in a bid to break a Guinness World Record.

James, 53, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January 2016.

Forced to give up his job and to undergo chemotherapy, he focused his time on organising events to raise money for the Bobby Moore Fund.

Last Sunday’s bubble football match that James arranged is expected to have officially beaten the previous record of 50 players.

“I took part myself and ran out a little bit,” James said. “I couldn’t do too much. We had a guy there who is 66 and he said he had never had so much in all his life. He didn’t think he could do it and people want to do it again now.”

He added: “I was nervous because a lot of work went into it. To see the goodwill of everyone was great. I was so pleased that everyone took part and it went really well.

“Sutton United have been fantastic with all their organisation.”

Around 180 people attended with James saying that over £2,000 had been raised.

On Sunday (August 6) James has organised a celebrity football match at Sutton United Football Club in an attempt to raise even more funds.

Speaking about the upcoming event, James said: “I’m really looking forward to playing a part. I did play football until I was diagnosed. My four sons will play some part and that will be very special for me to have them on the pitch after what we have all been through.”

Professional boxer Sammy McNess and former West Ham United player Jack Collison are just two celebrities involved.

According to James, booking in the celebrities was easy once they were informed that the event would raise awareness and money for Jonjo Heuerman's charity For Nanny and Bobby.

James praised the brilliance of Jonjo who was named the 2016 Young Fundraiser of the Year after his grandmother passed away in 2009 from bowel cancer, inspiring the now 15-year-old to begin fundraising. 

After having an original sponsor pull out, HH Global has stepped in to cover the expenses.

James said: “I was stressed thinking about all the costs. But I’ve just found out that HH Global will cover the costs because it’s for the Bobby Moore Fund. There’s a guy called Tim who has organised all that for me and he has been absolutely fantastic. I’m over the moon.”

James also acknowledged Derrick Hunt of Cullenclearance who sponsored last weekend’s bubble football match.

They are now awaiting official confirmation to verify that they did break the Guinness World Record for the number of people playing in a single bubble football match.

To buy tickets for the game or to find out other celebrities who will be playing visit fornannyandbobby.com

Admission will be £5 for adults and children can attend for free. All proceeds will go to the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.