Generous football fans dig deep for hospice

In total, Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday fans attending the Yorkshire derby game at the AESSEAL New York Stadium donated £1,856.33 – double the amount raised at a previous match.

Fundraiser Margaret Hewitt said: “When I heard about the proposed bucket collection outside the New York Stadium, I was keen to be a part of it, as I am a passionate supporter of our wonderful hospice and the work they tirelessly do every day.

“My fellow volunteers and I met at the ground at 1pm, got our buckets and went outside in the cold and wind – there were even hailstones at one point! – and collected until just before the game started at 3pm.

“The total raised was staggering and double the amount raised last time, which is wonderful and I am so very happy and proud to have been part of it.

“The fans were wonderful – cheerful, good humoured, so kind and very, very generous.

“Some literally emptied their pockets to give me whatever coins they had – such overwhelming generosity when times are so hard for so many of us.

“I am so happy we have such good, kind folk amongst us in Rotherham.”

A spokesperson for Rotherham Hospice said: “This is all part of the club’s commitment to supporting the hospice through their Diamond Partner scheme which has already seen amazing support for our cause and given such an incredible platform for the hospice.”