John Terry's World Cup shirt sold at Crookham Common fundraiser
The former England captain’s signed shirt, worn during the 2010 World Cup series in South Africa, was among items donated to be auctioned off during the evening in aid of 40-year-old Tim Emburey, at the Traveller’s Friend pub in Crookham Common.
Mr Emburey, an assistant manager for Robert Dyas, in Basingstoke, was left with only a few rescued photos of his mother, after fire ripped through his uninsured mobile home in Crookham Common Caravan Park on June 3, together with Tilly his cat, rescued from the blaze by firefighters.
The football shirt went for £90 to highest bidder, John Kennedy, of Crookham Common and a last minute donation - a Reading FC shirt, signed by all the players, raised £50.
Raffle prizes included West End theatre tickets for Matilda the musical, donated by Lord and Lady Lloyd-Webber, of Sydmonton, along with House of Commons and House of Lords playing cards, sent by north west Hampshire MP, Sir George Young, and premier enclosure badges from Newbury Racecourse.
Afterwards Mr Emburey, who has been living in temporary accommodation provided by his neighbour, pub owner and landlady, Julie Cooper and her husband, landlord, John Cooper, said it proved a “fantastic” evening:
“I cannot thank the people of Crookham Park,Thatcham and Newbury enough for their kindness and generosity and overwhelming support, especially John and Julie Cooper who have done everything for me, given me a car, food and a home,” said Mr Emburey, adding:
“I can never and will not ever forget the people.”
A total £1,296 was raised on the night, which Mr Emburey said would go towards re-building his home, purchased with money inherited from his mother after she died from cancer four years ago.
He is also to make a charity donation to Cancer Research and plans a gift for Mr and Mrs Cooper to mark their efforts, which included a collection and appeal at the pub and shop and organising the fundraiser.
The Groove Thing, performed free of charge for the evening, a local band comprising musicians from Newbury, Thatcham, Theale and Tilehurst.
The night was also supported by family butchers, Wyatts, of Tadley, who donated hog roasting machinery and a pig to spit roast.