Hi.
My brother just messaged me to tell me I had had a message.
First of all, thank you.
Well, although I'm not as far ahead as actually hoped (To be fair, I think I had been a little 'unrealistic', but one or two family matters popped up, too). That said, last week I posted on twitter and Facebook that I had hit 500. Now, I've proper got the head down in order to make up for lost time and my current number is 548. So, almost at half way (total since 1921 is 1115). That doesn't include the 13 I did for Armistice Day of the ex players killed in the war.
I sold my Jack Lester one for £210 at auction and the Tommy Lee one on a secret auction on Twitter and Facebook (Appologies. I still need to figure a way of letting more people know who aren't on either. I'm struggling to keep up.)
A few weeks ago I did and interview for JUS NEWS and a fellow Spireite has made a short film about me for his university project.
Going back to the sales, eventually all will be available as print but the auctioned ones need something 'special'. I decided to make 3 'Special' prints of each to go to auction, as and when. These will be 8x6 matt with my specially made stamp and signed. The 3 prints will be one for myself. One for the highest bidder and one for the player/players family. Jack Lester has been in touch and will receive his shortly. Tommy has his with a lovely message of thanks (he's been brilliant) but also, one of our late, greats family has been in touch and love their picture and are thrilled to be receiving one. I can't say too much, though, as it's a surprise for the family member.
On Monday I sat at the Senior Spireites with Ernie and Nikki. A lovely evening and quite emotional, too. Nick Johnson and Nikki have been great supporters.
The current amount raised for DementiaUK is £648 on Just Giving plus the £210 cheque for the Jack picture. Not bad to say I was only expecting money through sales!
Also, something is in the process of being done in conjunction with the Community Trust, who have been amazing. I've spoken to Nikki about this and hopefully more news soon. I would also like to add here that Peter Whitely and Stuart Basson have been fantastic.
So, it's going very well. As I say, I am very sorry that not everyone gets to see the progress. If anyone can think of any ways I can get more people to see, please do get in touch.
Finally, I just want to say this.
When I started this we (by that I mean Chesterfield FC) weren't in the situation we are in now. It was just a way to raise money for DementiaUK, to show our love for Ernie. Now, I'm also hoping it can maybe be just one thing the fans can smile about. I like to think that what I'm doing is for all Chesterfield fans to enjoy. I still can't believe how people have embraced this. I've had messages and donations from all fans of different clubs up and down the country. So, for that I say thank you.
This post has been edited by bluebottle: 01 December 2016 - 09:00 PM