Fans raise £5,000 for hospital

The annual head-to-head, held last April between Sheffield United fans and Sheffield Wednesday fans, raised an incredible £4,878 - bringing the total raised so far to over £35,000 since 2008, from 13 games of football in nine years, in aid of 13 different charities.

The cheque for last year’s game, held at Sandygate - the world’s oldest football ground - was presented this month to Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

Iain Atkins, who handed the cheque over, along with SWFC player Jordan Rhodes, said: “We are delighted and overwhelmed by the support for this unique annual charity event and cannot say thank you enough to everyone who has helped us raise nearly £5,000 SHC A&E Appeal.

“From humble beginnings, raising a few hundred pounds for Sports Relief 2008, this game has developed into an organised event.”

Isla Denoon, who accepted the donation on behalf of the charity, said: “I’m delighted to see another successful year from Sheffield Fans Derby.

“I’m astounded at how these guys maintain their £5k total every year, it’s such a fantastic achievement. Thanks as always to Iain, Steve, Neil and Matt and to everyone else who helps make this such a successful event year on year. Your continued hard work and support is massively appreciated by everyone at the charity and in the hospitals.

“This year’s donation will help make life better for the people of Sheffield by improving the care and treatment of those accessing emergency care in the city.”

The Sheffield United Fans came out the 3–0 winners in the last game. Sheffield Fans Derby is a full 11-a-side game, played, sanctioned and officiated under FA rules, managed completely by volunteers. A different charity is chosen for each game with funds raised by the players, ticket and program sales on the day.