Brewers sold-out fundraising event hailed a success

Burton Albion fans turned out in force last Thursday to help raise funds to pay for a new wheelchair for Burton Albion Academy’s John Clarke.

The Pirelli Stadium hosted an evening of football chat featuring Brewers legends Nigel Clough, Andy Garner, Shaun Barker and Keith Gilroy, and hosted by Aaron Webster – with all tickets sold out.

John, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, now has his new chair enabling him to continue his role at Burton Albion after his old one broke and fellow academy coach Will Clough started a fundraising page to purchase the chair to gift to John.

Donations flew in and very quickly went over the £12,000 mark of the £15,000 target required.

Last night’s fundraiser was organised in order to raise the outstanding amount. It included a pie, chips and peas supper, a reverse bingo and a chance to hear from some legendary figures in Burton Albion history.

After the event John Clarke said: “I’m totally overwhelmed by the response, and it just proves what a family-focussed and community-minded club this is. From being a fan to working here, Burton Albion is in my blood and my soul, and the Burton Albion community never ceases to amaze me.”

Former Brewers manager and Burton Abion Hall of Famer Nigel Clough said: “It was a lovely night and it’s always a pleasure to spend time at the Pirelli Stadium and on the stage with four colleagues and friends. I hope everyone who came had a good night.

“John is in his chair already but now, hopefully, we can get it fully paid for, which is the main thing.

“We heard him on stage say the chair has changed his life and he’s a remarkable person and worth every minute of this effort. He epitomises everything that Burton Albion’s about - it’s not just success on the pitch but about the club and the people."

Fellow Hall of Famer Aaron Webster added: “It was a fantastic night, especially the number of people who bought a ticket.

“Being on stage with people I’m really close to during my time playing football was brilliant and it was all for a great cause and the amount of money we have been able to raise makes it an unbelievable event. I’m happy we could do this for someone like John because the number of people he inspires including myself is just amazing.”