Supporters to sleep out in aid of charity
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SUPPORTERS of Cheltenham Town and Colchester United are setting aside their rivalries on the pitch for a great cause ahead of the League Two match in November.
Fans from the 1887 Red Army and Blue White Army will spend the night out in the open at the Jonny-rocks Stadium to raise funds and awareness for Cheltenham Open Door.
They will be joined by associate director Mark Cuzner on the eve of the fixture between the two sides on Saturday, November 23 and will sleep out in the car park.
The charity work to relieve poverty, hardship and social or emotional distress for men and women who have been deprived of the comforts and security most of us take for granted.
The sleep out is the brainchild of Robins fan James Robinson who contacted the Essex supporter group to form the fundraising effort.
“The 1887 Red Army are always looking at ways of supporting the local community and we’re delighted to be able to support Cheltenham Open Door with this event,” he said.
“They’re a superb organisation, run by volunteers so we want to drive as much awareness as we can.
“We want to take the opportunity to raise as much money as we can to tackle the issues they face this winter, when it matters most,” James added.
“We want to invite fans and local businesses to get in touch and play their part.
“A crowdfunder has been created to support the event and we urge all supporters to give what they can, no matter how small.”
Colchester supporter Jon Palmer, a member of the Blue White Army, believes the key to a successful event lies in the united front shown by both sets of fans.
“We’re getting behind the 1887 Red Army’s charity sleep out to play our part to help highlight the issues of homelessness, help raise funds for a worthwhile cause and to help show that football can bring people together.”
James has been working closely with the Cheltenham-based charity’s volunteers to organise the event.
“It’s awesome to witness the enthusiasm of supporters of Cheltenham Town and Colchester, wanting to support us with our work at Cheltenham Open Door,” said communications manager Rosie Radford.
“We’re a local charity who look after those in our community who might be street homeless, sofa surfing, in high support accommodation, struggling with addiction or mental health issues or isolated from friends and family.
“We’re so pleased the community is coming together to support those in our area who really need us!
“Winter is the hardest time of year for those struggling with homelessness or poverty.”
If you’re a supporter who wants to take part or a local business that can support the fundraising effort, please email James at james.ap.robinson@ gmail.com.