'I was behind goal when Geoff Hurst scored': Shropshire leisure chief recalls famous 1966 final

The owner of a Shrewsbury caravan retailer has remembered his travels watching the 1966 World Cup - including how celebrations over England's victory helped him dodge a post-final parking ticket.

Salop Leisure chairman Tony Bywater attended the famous 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley Stadium in London and was even standing behind the goal in which Geoff Hurst scored his controversial second.

His company, which sells caravans, motorhomes and lodges, has now vowed to donate £50 every time England scores in this year's World Cup to Severn Hospice, its chosen charity of the year.

If England wins the whole tournament, it will double the amount raised.

Shrewsbury-based Severn Hospice provides specialist care and support to families across Shropshire and north Powys who are living with an incurable illness and needs £10 million a year to operate.

Recalling that famous football tournament six decades ago, Tony said he had to attend ten different tournament matches in order to qualify for a ticket to the final.

He saw Brazilian legend Pelé famously get injured at Goodison Park in Liverpool and a game at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium. Tony, 84, also saw his favourite player - Portuguese maestro Eusebio - spearhead a huge comeback.

“I’ll always remember the game between Portugal and Korea DPR," he said.

"Korea DPR were 3-0 up in the first 25 minutes but then Eusebio gave a legendary performance that saw Portugal score five goals."

That same Portugal team lost to England in the semi-finals, another game he attended, before securing his ticket to the final against West Germany.

He added: "I was standing behind the goal when Sir Geoff Hurst scored that controversial goal - I didn't think it had gone in. It was a wonderful atmosphere when we won. I wasn't very old then and was in charge of driving our group home.

"I should have had a parking ticket but everyone was so happy they let me off. I drove us back to Shrewsbury where the celebrations continued."

Sign up for our email newsletters here

When Sir Geoff Hurst became manager of Telford United, he organised a charity match where the 1966 England World Cup winners played Telford and Hurst scored against his own team, with Tony stepping in as linesman for the game.

Ed Glover, head of marketing at Salop Leisure which was also founded in 1966, said the team was pleased to support Severn Hospice.

He said: "Of course, the whole team here are already rooting for England to do well in this year's World Cup so to have the added benefit of supporting our 2026 charity as part of the excitement will add to the celebrations for every goal scored. Let's hope England can bring it home like they did in 1966."

Jenny Bean, fundraising manager at Severn Hospice, added: "We're incredibly grateful to everyone at Salop Leisure for coming up with such a fun and creative way to support Severn Hospice.

"As their charity of the year, it's fantastic to see them combining these special anniversary celebrations and their love of football with fundraising for local families living with incurable illness. We'll certainly be cheering on every England goal, knowing it will help raise vital funds for our care.

"Our services are provided free of charge and support from businesses like Salop Leisure is invaluable in helping us continue to care. We're hugely thankful for their ongoing commitment and look forward to seeing how much can be raised throughout the tournament."