Paul Rogers 02 October 2009
The Ray of Hope Appeal closed for donations on the 30 September and they'd like to extend a sincere thanks to everyone who has donated or contributed to the appeal since it was set up in January 2008.
Andrew Campbell of the Ray of Hope Appeal told liverpoolfc.tv: "Thanks to your help, the £50,000 barrier was smashed and the appeal raised just under £52,000 in total which is a fantastic effort.
"To date, some of the monies have been spent on improving Ray's quality of life and living conditions, with a significant amount being spent on installing a new specially-equipped bathroom in Ray's home.
"The balance of funds will be held on trust for Ray to provide him with financial security now and in the years ahead.
"Highlights of the Appeal are too numerous to mention, but travelling round the country collecting donations from all 92 league clubs in 7 days was certainly up there.
"The generosity of some clubs which were in dire straights financially really took us back and it is a tribute to the player Ray was that he is still held in such affection by the footballing world.
"Maybe the best example of that, believe it or not, is the fact we received a single donation of several thousand pounds from a Man United fan who spoke of his fond memories of watching Ray play in the 70s.
"By contrast, the Community Department of at least one major football club (who I wouldn't want to embarrass by naming on Liverpool's own website) repeatedly ignored our requests for help.
"However, the trustees would like to extend a special thanks to the HJC, the lads behind the organisation of the launch night which was held at Anfield (you know who you are), Spirit of Shankly, Red Action at Arsenal, retroreds.co.uk and everyone else who has contributed or in some way supported or helped the appeal. Thank you all.
"If you are interested in learning more about the work of the Appeal or the effects of Parkinson's disease, or would like details of how to make a small donation to support Ray and other Parkinson's sufferers, please visit
www.rayofhopeappeal.org.uk and
www.parkinsons.org.uk.
"Without wanting to turn this into an Oscars speech, can we extend a special thanks to Harry Trow and LFC supporters clubs from all over the world who raised money, in particular the New York and French branches."
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N165975091002-1256.htm
