Download fans raise money for a worthy cause
ROCK fans at Download this year raised an incredible £1,777.12 for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation after Leicestershire Police asked them to make a donation to the charity in return for one of their very popular phone ‘bungees’.
To mark the 10th anniversary of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation the police gave a large quantity of phone bungees to the charity who sold them for £2 at their tent in the arena to raise money.
The Sophie Lancaster Foundation was set up following Sophie’s death in 2007 – she was killed because she dressed differently. The charity focuses on stamping out hate crime and creating respect for, and understanding of, subcultures in our communities.
Collection boxes were also put in the police station in the village. The bungees are designed to prevent phones being stolen. They are made of a silicone loop with a coiled cord which attaches to a belt and acts like a ‘bungee’, stopping the phone from hitting the floor if it is dropped or removed from a pocket.
Sophie’s mum Sylvia said: “It is an absolutely fantastic achievement by everyone... thanks for your support! It will make a difference, it’s a huge amount for us… every penny is greatly appreciated thank you.”