Raising Money for local Children's Charities

Local children's charities and good causes are set to benefit from a series of cash presentations from the Finlay Cooper Fund, the charity Boro coach Colin Cooper and his wife Julie launched in memory of their son.

Zoe's Place, Butterwick House Children's Hospice, the children's diabetes unit at James Cook University Hospital and Martin House at Boston Spa near Wetherby are all set to receive cheques from the fund, which received an additional boost when a bucket collection at Boro's last home match against Birmingham raised over £3,100.

Boro legend Cooper, who played more than 400 games for the club, said: "Yet again, the generosity of the supporters was fantastic.

"Julie and I have been touched and are very grateful for the way they've supported Finlay's fund.

"The charity first kicked off with my benefit match but there have been a whole range of events to boost the fund. We're looking to make it an ongoing fundraiser for kids' charities, with two or three events every year.

"We have already agreed to make presentations in the near future to Zoe's Place, Butterwick Hospice and Martin House, but there'll be more to follow".

Fundraising events have included two football games organised by fanzine Fly Me to the Moon, including one between supporters of two of Colin's former clubs, Boro and Millwall.

The Coopers also hosted a 'party in the paddock' and a fireworks night at their home. Donations were received from Middlesbrough FC, 888.com, Linthorpe Publishing following 'The Class of 86' dinner and from Aycliffe FC following a sportsmen’s dinner.

Staff from Dickinson Dees who took part in the Tees Pride Road Race made a further donation from sponsorship, while there have been many individual donations.

Thank you for supporting the Finlay Cooper Fund.

• Match 3 - Millwall Supporters Club 2 v 9 Middlesbrough Supporters South ( 16th May 2008)

• Match 2 - Millwall Supporters Club 5 v 0 Middlesbrough Supporters South ( 16th August 2006)

• Match 1 - Millwall Supporters Club 0 v 1 Middlesbrough Supporters South ( 23rd February 2002)