Walsall FC disabled supporters will stay warm thanks to successful fundraising campaign

Fans and sponsors of Walsall have rallied around the club's disabled supporters to ensure they can watch their beloved team in the warm this winter.

Before the Walsall v Accrington game, a group of disabled supporters are being presented with branded blankets to keep them warn. A fundrasising campaign between fans was launched to by them and they raised the money in a few days. Pictured back left , Ian Buckingham , Dave Beckett, Tony Richards and Jaqoui Keen , front left , Malcolm Bensley , Niall O'Shaughnessy and Andrew Elvis.

Last month, the Walsall FC Disabled Supporters Association launched a fundraising campaign to enable them to buy wheelchair ponchos to protect Saddlers fans from the elements.

And in the space of just a few days, they raised more than £1,400.

The total was reached thanks to the generosity of supporters as well as club sponsor Homeserve who made a substantial donation.

It has led to the group by 15 ponchos which were presented to fans ahead of Walsall's game with Accrington Stanley last Saturday.

Olly Beckett, who is in charge of fundraising for the disabled supporters association, said: "I've only recently taken up my role with the association and the first thing I wanted to do was help the fans who have to sit through all weathers to support their team.

"When the weather is bad they can get cold and wet but that doesn't stop them from supporting their team.

"I had a word with Homeserve and also put out an appeal for fans to donate money.

"And I have to say I was gobsmacked by the amount of money Homeserve donated and how much the fans raised themselves.

"It's is fantastic and shows exactly what Walsall Football Club is all about. Now we're hoping to hear from any more disabled fans who we can help."

John Greaves, from Homeserve, said the firm was delighted to be able to help Walsall's fans as the winter months draw in.

“We know, rain or shine, Walsall’s fans will come out in force to support the club,” he said.

"We hope these ponchos help provide disabled supporters with some much-needed protection from the elements as we enter colder weather of autumn and winter this year.”

Ian Buckingham, chairperson of the Walsall Disabled Supporters Association, added: "We want to thank both HomeServe and our fellow Saddlers fans for their exceptional generosity with donations totalling more than £1,400.

"Through these donations we’ve been able to purchase fifteen ponchos, with twelve being gifted to regularly attending wheelchair supporters and the remaining three will be available for use by away supporters or Saddlers fans who come to matches occasionally.

“The funds we raised exceeded all our expectations, and as a group we’re always open to hearing from disabled fans and their carers or family members so we can identify other ways in which their match day experience can be improved.”

For more information about the Walsall FC Disabled Supporters Association visit www.walsallfcdsa.co.uk