Notts County, or the Magpies as most of us prefer to call them, have always enjoyed a good relationship with the people of Nottingham. Whether flying high and chasing promotion or battling to avoid relegation, they’re ours, they’re local, and we love them!
Now the take over is complete, things are beginning to settle. Everybody involved in the club can breath a small sigh of relief. The Club’s very existence has been secured but the fight against relegation has yet to be won. The focus is shifting once again, on to not only what the community can do for the club, but also what the club can do for the community.
Spring is in the air, and Easter is almost upon us. No matter what our religious beliefs, it is unlikely that any of us would be able to avoid the stacks of brightly coloured boxes that lay before us as we walk in to almost any shop. It is a joy to see the eyes of children light up, and their mouths begin to water, as they stand aghast staring up at the towering columns of chocolate eggs in their shiny wrappers.
Unfortunately however, for some children, they rarely get to experience such excitement in the run up to Easter, which is in fact, just another day on the ward for them.
At any one time, there are roughly 200 children under the day to day care of our two main local hospitals in paediatric wards.
The duration of the children’s stay will vary as does the severity of their illness’ which can range from an accident in the playground or at home, to life threatening terminal illness. Every parent’s worst nightmare and not a bundle of fun for the children either. Though the staff and carers make every effort to ensure the children are as comfortable as possible, it is not home. To be in a strange environment whilst suffering in any capacity must be extremely daunting.
Notts County wish to make this Easter just that little bit special for some of these children. A number of our regular First Team players will be touring the wards of the hospitals, to speak with the children about their time in hospital, their interests, and answer any questions they may have about life as a professional football player and sportsperson. And at the same time, as an Easter gesture they are hoping to offer the children a small gift on behalf of the supporters of Notts County FC and the Club itself.
This is where we would like to ask for your assistance. Over the next few weeks we would be extremely grateful for any small gifts you could donate to this more than worthy cause.
Easter eggs are available in almost any shop or supermarket, and most have special offers on. For less than £1, you could help make a child’s day that bit brighter. So we ask that our fans and supporters might think of the children of Nottingham’s hospitals when they next visit a shop selling Easter Eggs, or indeed any small gift. Some children cannot eat sweet or sugary treats, and we’d like to be able to offer them an attractive alternative such as a colouring pad and pens, or perhaps a craft kit, maybe a book, or a writing set so they can keep in touch with friends from school they may not have seen for a while.
We will be taking donations during the week and on match days at both the Club Reception at the rear of the Main Stand, and at the Club Shop situated on Meadow Lane.
The final date for receiving donations will be Saturday April 3rd, the day of the Blackpool home match, where we hope to see you all enjoying the afternoon’s game.
Many thanks, and kind regards
Notts County FC.