Bolsover Football Club is backing Bluebell Wood this season. 

FC Bolsover, which currently shares a ground with Shirebrook Town FC, is planning an Elf Dash this Christmas and an auction of England football merchandise, including a shirt signed by Leicester FC and England player Harry Maguire. Club chairman Ben Thomas said:

“Working with children is something close to my heart. I and my partner Christie, who is the club’s treasurer, have worked in care homes and special needs schools for nearly a decade. Other committee members here at the club also do jobs that help to improve outcomes for children. 

“We fundraised for Bluebell Wood at the school I work at, so I decided to go and visit and was blown away by the facilities. The staff were so friendly. You could see they fully immerse themselves in the children and their families’ lives. The care and support they give the whole family is fantastic. 

“I have a student at my school whose younger brother was supported by Bluebell Wood, and another member of our club had family members who were supported by the charity. They have had nothing but positive things to say about the hospice. 

“We try to raise funds for Bluebell Wood at every home game through raffles and scratch cards, and we’re all doing whatever we can to raise money.” 

Lucy Rathbone, Community Fundraiser for North Derbyshire at Bluebell Wood, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Ben and Bolsover FC for choosing Bluebell Wood. Every penny they raise will make a real difference to our families, helping them to make special memories together. This kind of support means we can carry on offering the services our families need, from end of life treatment and care, counselling and music therapy to short breaks, arts and crafts and sibling support.”