Sheffield Wednesday fans urged to dig deep for Bluebell Wood in final match of season

While supporters may not be able to attend Saturday’s clash with Derby County in person, it hasn’t stopped the charity who will be holding a special virtual bucket collection to raise much-needed funds.

Bluebell Wood is urging fans to donate the price of their pie, pint, ticket or even Wednesday shirt to help local families make precious memories at Bluebell Wood.

Families like 11-year-old Chester’s, who has a rare chromosome deletion disorder and has been visiting Bluebell Wood for a helping hand along with his family since 2017.

Courageous Chester spent the first year of his life in hospital, and has been battling numerous serious health conditions ever since.

The whole family are big Sheffield Wednesday fans, and loved meeting their heroes during one of the Owls annual Christmas visits to the hospice.

“Coming to Bluebell Wood is such a weight off our shoulders,” said dad, Ian.

“Lisa and I are both realistic about Chester’s future, but we know that whatever happens to him we have a plan, and somewhere we can go where he’ll be looked after.

“At Bluebell Wood we’ve made so many memories that we’ll always treasure, memories that we may not have otherwise got the chance to make.

“We had the pleasure of meeting the players and chairman at the hospice and it was an amazing experience. They all sat and chatted to us and had a lot of empathy and understanding so it really was very special.

“For someone who’s always been a Wednesdayite, it doesn’t get much better than that!”

So whatever the result against Derby, fans can make sure children and families supported by Bluebell Wood are the real winners.

The day will also see the finale of ‘Super’ Shay O’Grady’s gruelling triathlon in support of Bluebell Wood, where he will be walking all the way from Hillsborough to Pride Park before cycling the return leg. Inspired by his beloved cousin Evie-Mae who visits the hospice, the Owls-mad 10-year-old is already on track to smash his fundraising total from last year’s epic triathlon.

Sally Baker, Regional Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “Sheffield Wednesday and their brilliant fans have been fantastic supporters of Bluebell Wood over the years so we’re very much looking forward to seeing what they have in store for us.

“In ordinary times our dedicated volunteers would be on hand with collection buckets on match days, and we’re always blown away by the generosity of the fans.

“While this may not have been possible this season, we’re delighted to be partnering with the club to offer a virtual alternative.

“Every penny we raise on the day will help us make magical memories with families like Chester’s who sadly don’t know how long they’ll have with one another.”