A FUNDRAISER started by a kind-hearted Coventry City fan to give less fortunate members of the Sky Blue Army a chance to enjoy matches has reached nearly £15,000.
Ryton man and lifelong City fan Simon Miller says his GoFundMe donations page has exceeded even his wildest expectations.
The page – with an initial target of £2,000 – is approaching the £15,000 mark a little more than two weeks after it went live.
Mr Miller says it was set up to help families less fortunate than his to be able to experience the ‘euphoria’ of a family outing to watch the Sky Blues – something he has enjoyed since he was a child.
The money raised from the appeal will go towards season tickets for fans who may not be able to buy them otherwise – along with a family member.
The campaign has drawn donations from Sky Blues strikers Conor Chaplin and Max Biamou as well as a £1,000 gift under the name of Joy Seppala of club owners Sisu.
Mr Miller hopes that at the current total of £14,235, he will be able to provide nearly 50 season ticket pairs.
His appeal last year raised £1,750.
The Sky Blues find themselves playing home games at Birmingham City’s ground, St Andrews this season, after off-field politics saw the club locked out of the Ricoh Arena ground built for it.
Mr Miller was keen to distance his fundraiser from the bitter dispute which rumbles on between Sisu, Ricoh Arena landlords Wasps Rugby Club and Coventry City Council.
He said: “We have had a couple of positive seasons with Mark Robins at the club.
“We come from all different backgrounds in Coventry and I am sure there are people who want to experience what my son and I have been lucky enough to experience.
“We thought it would be great to try and find families and see if we could help – and put a smile on their faces.”
Mr Miller says the fundraiser will likely be drawn to a close on July 15 to enable preparations for the fans selected to get to St Andrew’s.
He and some friends have been assessing each individual case put forward and so far 35 nominations have been submitted.
He added: “People can see that the money went to the right places last year and it really did make a difference.
“We want people to build family ties even though some endure difficult circumstances.
“Sometimes people who have gone for years find themselves not being able to take their children and experience the games.
“It’s hard to explain to anyone who doesn’t follow football but for me there is no better feeling than when that ball goes in the back of the net and you suddenly find your children are hugging you.
“There is a feeling of euphoria which is hard to explain really.”
Discussing the big nominations from people involved with the club, he said: “It would be great if it was Joy.
“I’d like to believe that it is her and like other donors she cares about giving others the opportunity to go and enjoy the games.”
Mr Miller also praised the club for its support after it waived transaction fees and extended the period for early bird discounts, something chiefs also did last year.
