Burton Albion FC will be fundraising for Shine, the national charity for people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, before their match against Oxford United on the 14th February 2015.
A team of volunteers will be collecting for the charity outside the turnstiles at the Pirelli Stadium before kick off at 3pm. Burton Albion Mascots Billy and Betty Brewer will also get the chance to meet their Shine counterpart, Benny Bear, on the day! Benny Bear has hydrocephalus and spends a lot of time helping children in schools to understand the condition, which affects 1 in 1,000 babies born in the UK.International Parabadminton player and Shine Membership Development Officer, Gobi Ranganathan, visited Burton Albion FC previously and thought their facilities and support for disabled fans was outstanding. He said, ‘When it comes to supporting disabled fans, not only do Burton Albion FC provide excellent facilities at matches, but they also provide a number of opportunities for their local community too. I am thrilled that they have chosen to support Shine and look forward to working together going forward.’
Andy Taylor, Head of Community for Burton Albion Community Trust, added, ‘Burton Albion FC are delighted to be supporting Shine with a matchday collection as well as helping to raise awareness with our fans and the local community. This is a fantastic charity and one which our Community Trust will continue to work with following the collection.’
The trust works hard to ensure that everyone, regardless of disability, has the chance to participate in sport and get involved in the Burton Albion FC community. Shine and Burton Albion FC are therefore really looking forward to the matchday collection on Valentine’s Day and hope fans can help raise as much money as possible for people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus across the UK.