Charity day in memory of former Stafford Rangers president
Stafford Rangers are set to hold a charity day in memory of the football club’s president and former chairman.
Jon Downing, who died in October aged 68, was also a director and lifelong fan. He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2016.
The Jon Downing Charity Event will be held at Marston Road Stadium on April 28 in support of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and Katharine House Hospice.
Two annual fundraisers, which the father-of-two helped organise, have raised £3,000 for charity. This year there will be more football, junior tournaments, a sponsored walk and line dancing.
Organiser and former member of team manager Phil Robinson’s conference team coaching staff, Chris Curtis, said: “Jon was determined that the charity event he started would continue to grow with the same passion with which he lived.
“We have set a target for 2019 of £10,000 to be shared in accordance with Jon’s wishes between SRFC, KHH and MND Association.
“It is fitting that Stafford Rangers embraces Jon’s vision to be a focal point in the community using the facilities to benefit the community in the wider sense of supporting such worthy charities.”
A condition that attacks the brain and spinal cord, MND affects around 5,500 people each year in the UK. There is no cure.
MND Association regional fundraiser for Wales, Richard Shackelford, said: “Without the support of organisations such as Stafford Rangers, we would not be able to provide vital support, fund research, and campaign and raise awareness.”
A spokesperson for Katharine House Hospice, which provides care for people with life-limiting illnesses, said: “We are looking forward to working with Stafford Rangers and the MND Association annually with this event.”
The day is being sponsored by Lookers PLC and the University of Wolverhampton. The Brigade of Gurkhas will also be represented. There will be a minimum donation of £5 on the gate.
If you are interested in participating in the sponsored walk, email Chris Curtis at jdcharity@staffordrangersfc.co.uk to receive a sponsorship form.
Find out more about the event by visiting staffordrangersfc.co.uk/jon-downing-charity-event.
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