Special issue remembrance shirts worn against Burton Albion auctioned for charity.
The shirts worn by Barnsley players at our game against Burton Albion in the FA Cup 1st Round at Oakwell on Saturday 8th November were recently auctioned online with all proceeds donated to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
So far Reds fans have generously donated over £3,700 for the specially issued shirts which feature the official Football League poppy design – showing ‘1914-2014 – Football Remembers’. The final two shirts are currently online (Paul Digby and Ryan Williams) with the auction for these ending tomorrow. With bidding on the final two shirts going well, we are on track to break the £4,000 mark. You can bid for the remaining two shirts by clicking here.
Before our game against Scunthorpe United on Saturday we welcomed four members of the Royal British Legion to Oakwell. Aubrey Martin-Wells, Anne Martin-Wells, Charlie Grimshaw and Marion McConnell were joined by Club Chief Executive Ben Mansford and first team players Jean-Yves M’voto and Keith Treacy for a cheque presentation on the Oakwell pitch. Ex-serving soldier and winning bidder James Bailey was also presented with his shirt by Reds winger Keith Treacy and Jean Yves-M’voto presented his signed shirt to winning bidder and Reds season pass holder Ian Goddard.
The Royal British Legion helps the whole Armed Forces community through welfare, comradeship and representation as well as being the Nation's custodian of Remembrance. The charity has been campaigning to further the cause of serving personnel, ex-Service men and women and their families since 1921, and is a benevolent charity giving help to those most in need. The Legion created the Poppy Appeal to help those returning from the First World War. A century on from the start of that conflict, they're still helping today's Armed Forces families in much the same way, whether coping with bereavement, living with disability, or finding employment.
Upon receiving the donation, Aubrey Martin-Wells, Barnsley Group Chairman from the Royal British Legion said "We are so grateful to Barnsley Football Club and the supporters for what is a marvelous donation. The thousands raised will go a long way in helping serving soldiers, veteran soldiers and their families. It really does make a huge difference, and on behalf of the Royal British Legion I would like to say a sincere thank you to the Club and all of the generous supporters who contributed to this incredible donation".
Barnsley FC Chief Executive Ben Mansford commented, “Through the auction of the signed Poppy shirts we are delighted to donate this fantastic sum of money to the Royal British Legion. The charity works tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that serving and retired Armed Forces personnel and their families receive the support they need, so we are proud to get behind the Poppy Appeal. The amount raised by our supporters goes to show how deeply the work of the charity is cherished and we cannot thank all bidders enough for their kindness and generosity.”
On behalf of everyone at the Club and the Royal British Legion, we would like to say a sincere thank you to all supporters who helped to raise money for the cause.
For more information on the Royal British Legion please visit http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
