More than £70k raised in support of Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme
More than £70,000 has been raised for Cure Leukaemia through a number of fundraising events in support of Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, it has been announced.
Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukaemia last month. The club, a number of its supporters and indeed the whole football community has united for Ikeme with a series of charity initiatives.
Cure Leukaemia's CEO labelled the figure as 'truly remarkable.
A 24-hour penalty shoot-out organised by Wolves fan and author Steve Plant, which took place last Friday, raised £13,000. And a bucket collection before last Saturday's game against Middlesbrough at Molineux raised just short of £8,000 – the highest number for a Wolves bucket collection in years.
Other fundraising exploits included several fans walking from Cannock to Molineux before the Middlesbrough match, 1,000 donations for a special commemorative shirt that will include the names of everyone who donated, proceeds from the printing of goalkeeper shirts with 'Ikeme 1' on the back, ticket sales from a Wednesfield FC fundraiser (the club also named a stand after Ikeme) and 10 per cent of gate receipts and programme sales from the Boro fixture.
Private donations have been added to the total, which stands at £71,337 and counting.
Ikeme, who is currently undergoing treatment, took to Twitter to thank everyone for their support.
James McLaughlin, CEO at the Birmingham-based Cure Leukaemia charity, said: "This is a truly remarkable fundraising total which will continue to rise.
"It emphasises the unbelievable generosity and warmth that has been shown by the football community towards Carl ever since he was diagnosed.
"Leading the way have been the fans and staff at Wolverhampton Wanderers who have channelled their energy into fundraising over the last month.
"On behalf of everyone associated with Cure Leukaemia I would like to thank every single person who has helped achieve this figure, your generosity is overwhelming and I am sure it will give Carl an enormous boost for what lies ahead."
People can donate to the fundraising pot via this link www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/cureleukaemia/ikeme
