Wallingford FC donate £400 to community hospital

The town football club players and committee members pooled together to support the hard work at the community hospital amidst the coronavirus crisis.

The money was raised from the footballs club’s ‘fine pot’ which is usually used to treat the players to a night out or a trip to Ascot races, but this year the club decided they would sacrifice their night out to help the hospital staff.

The ‘fine pot’ money is collected every Saturday from the players when they make a mistake.

Wallingford Town Football Club chairman Simon Cowlard explained these mistakes could include muddy boots or being five minutes late.

He also said there are other silly challenges that can lead to putting money in the ‘fine pot’ if you do not partake.

These challenges include, instead of wearing trainers on a cold day in January the team have to wear flip flops.

Read also: Brown Solidarity website checks coronavirus news for South Asians

Over the year the ‘fine pot’ accumulated £200 and Mr Cowlard suggested the club match the £200 sum of money from the ‘fine pot’ to give a total of £400.

He said: “We are pleased to help the Wallingford Community Hospital and thank them and everyone within the NHS for everything they are doing during this difficult time. Wallingford Town Football Club is happy to support and help the local community in any way we can.”

He added: “In the grand scheme of things it is great for a little club like Wallingford are doing something like this.”

1st team manager Glenn Goudie said: "The lads agree on a system of fines at the start of the season and have collected a considerable sum which is used for an end of season night out.

“The players began to make noises of wanting to donate to the NHS when the COVID-19 situation and The FA’s decision put an end to the football season.

“The boys collectively agreed on donating the funds to Wallingford Community Hospital and the football club matched the players total”.

Read also: Oxford City Council is replacing less council houses that are sold

He added: "We hope the League of Friends for Wallingford Hospital are able to benefit from the donation and keep up the astounding role they play in supporting the people of the town and beyond.

“We are very proud of the players and in particular our captain Ben Taylor who drove the idea forward.”

The charity the League of Friends at the Wallingford Community Hospital greatly appreciated the donation.

Kate Eveleigh from The Wallingford Community Hospital League of Friends said: “We are incredibly grateful for the kind donation to the hospital from Wallingford Town Football Club.

“The staff were asked what they needed, and they said with all the hand-washing their hands were very dry and asked for hand cream.

“We were able to organise and pay for a delivery of hand cream which was gratefully received.

“As the staff of the Hospital continue to care for local people during this crisis, the Friends are here to support them and will continue to have the funds to respond to their welfare needs.”