Cobblers players have a whip round to raise money after theft of vital equipment
The Northampton Town players have made a donation from their own pockets to help supporter Derry Felton.
Before the York City game last Saturday, Chairman Kelvin Thomas arranged for lifelong supporter Derry to meet the squad after hearing about a theft Derry had suffered.
Derry has been paralysed from the neck down since he was two years old and uses a headset that allows him to use his laptop without typing or clicking. But that, along with the laptop itself, another computer, portable hard drives, three games consoles and his carer’s car keys were all taken during a recent burglary.
After meeting Derry, skipper Marc Richards arranged for a whip round amongst the players, and he invited Derry down to Sixfields on Friday to receive the money raised by the squad.
"We were all really upset and angry when we heard what had happened," said Richards.
"It was great to meet Derry at the York game but I felt we could do a little more, so we arranged for a whip around and we were delighted to hand some money over to Derry to help him replace the items that were stolen.
"I know supporters have been raising money as well, and hopefully this will all help. The supporters stuck by the club when we needed their help, so it is only right we do what we can in return."
Some of Derry's original equipment was supplied after the Special Effect charity raised money three years ago, and it is a charity that is close to Cobblers Chairman Kelvin Thomas anyway.
“It was great to find out Special Effect had helped Derry before as they do such a wonderful job," he said.
"I understand they are looking to loan Derry some equipment next week so that he can get back to normal as soon as possible. It is beyond belief that some people will steal such equipment, which is a lifeline for people like Derry, but I am proud that the players, staff and supporters of the club as well as Special Effect have rallied round when he needed help.
"It further illustrates the special bond this club has and the determination to help and make a difference when we can."
A JustGiving page was set up to raise money for Derry, to support this please visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/adam-johnson while for more details on Special Effect please visit: http://www.specialeffect.org.uk/