A sum in the region of £5,500 has been raised from October’s Valley Parade Fire memorial charity game so far. Organiser Gavin Gordon confirmed the sum that had been raised from the event at the LNER Stadium.
The game saw Lincoln City Former Players’ Association face Bradford City Veterans in a 3-3 draw that entertained around 500 people in Lincoln.
The money will be split between four charities: Lincoln City Foundation, Dogs Trust, Bradford Burns Unit and Bradford Cinderella Club.
The Cinderella Club’s Communication Officer Mike Conway spoke to LincSport about the impact this money will have. He said: “It’s a lot of money for a little charity like us.”
The Bradford Cinderella Club is the West Yorkshire city’s oldest children’s charity, dating back over 130 years. They help disadvantaged children in their district. They’re the Bradford Lord Mayor’s chosen charity for the year.
Mike said: “The fact that [the charity game] actually took place is brilliant. That game lives long in the history of our city.” And added: “Something good is coming out of an absolute tragedy. I think it’s great.”
The donation will help the Cinderella Club continue their work, which Mike described as the little things that make the difference. They put-together Christmas shoeboxes, provide school dinners and work to ensure disadvantaged children in Bradford don’t miss out.
Another one of the chosen charities is the Lincoln City Foundation, which does work in the Lincoln community.
CEO Martin Hickerton said: “We’re extremely grateful for the donation made by the FPA from their charity match between the Imps and Bradford City.
He added: “We’re honoured to be selected as one of the chosen charities for such an important commemoration of the lives lost at Valley Parade in 1985.”
Organiser and Lincoln FPA Chairman Gavin Gordon hopes this match can kick-start an annual event to remember the 56 lives lost in the Valley Parade Fire. He awaits further donations, so the sum could rise beyond £5,500.