On our final game of the 2014/15 campaign, Scunthorpe United Official Supporters Club are raising money for charity.
They are encouraging both supporters of Scunthorpe United and Doncaster Rovers to wear fancy dress outfits when the two teams meet at the Keepmoat Stadium on May 3.Like many teams tend to do, donning funny costumes for the final match of the football season is very popular amongst fans in football, and Travel Secretary for the SUFC Official Supporters Group Karen Lee has set up a Just Giving page where people can donate money to the LJS Foundation, a charity set up by former Iron and Doncaster striker Billy Sharp which promotes the awareness of gastroschisis, a defect in the abdominal wall which is commonly found in new born babies.
Karen told us: “A few years ago our previous travel secretary, Brian Smith, arranged a H-away-an day to end the season, when everyone was supposed to dress in bright shirts, grass skirts etc.
“It was good fun, so we suggested another fancy dress day for the last match the following season, and it grew from there. Each year we have had more people joining in, and the last couple of years we have made a competition of it, awarding prizes to the best efforts.
“Last year we decided to go with a set theme and chose Heroes and Villains, as it still left plenty of scope.
“A few days after announcing this I heard on VikingFM that their charity Cash for Kids was holding their annual Superheroes Day the same week, so suggested tying it in to raise money and have fun at the same time. We ended up raising £200.”
This year, the chosen theme is Childhood Heroes as it seemed suitable in regards to the nature of the chosen charity.
Karen has already begun her fund raising exploits after her daughter launched the official donation page last week. She told us about how people can also give generously in person as well as through the internet, and also about a raffle that will be taking place too.
Karen added: “My daughter has set up a Just Giving page for the event and we already have some donations through that. So, if anyone wants to donate that way they can do so, and the money will go directly to the charity but will still add to our total.
“We will be having a collection on our bus on the day, plus any raffle and refreshments money will also be donated.
“I have also organised a raffle leading up to and on the day, with the prize being Neal Bishop's green 3rd kit. Tickets are likely to be around £2 each and all proceeds will go towards the fundraising effort, and they can be bought on the away travel buses and in the Iron Bar before and after games.”
Former Scunthorpe United striker Billy Sharp also had some kind words for the fans of both sides going in to the final league fixture of the season, as well as for Karen herself who’s dedicated work has made it all possible.
Billy said: “What a wonderful gesture it really is from everyone at Scunthorpe United and Doncaster Rovers, thank you.
“On behalf of me and my family we would like to thank both sets of supporters from two of my former clubs where I have fond memories of both, and a big thank you to Karen lee for her hard work and effort.
“It's overwhelming the continued support we receive for the LJS foundation allowing us to continue to raise awareness for gastroschisis. Good luck to both teams for the last game of the season.”
To donate via the justgiving page, click on the link and follow the instructions: https://www.justgiving.com/SUOSC/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_content=SUOSC&utm_campaign=pfp-share