Arsenal’s dedicated matchday raises over £200,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust

23/12/08

Arsenal skipper, Cesc Fabregas and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia today pulled a Christmas cracker unleashing over £200,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust, the Club’s Charity of the Season. The money was raised at the dedicated matchday against Liverpool (Sunday 21 December). Players, directors and many of the Club’s staff donated a day’s wages in aid of the Be a Gooner. Be a Giver. campaign for the charity which is dedicated to improving the lives of teenagers with cancer.

Fans also contributed through bucket collections, raffles and auctions held across Emirates Stadium and a donation of 50 pence was donated from every match programme sold.

On announcing the money raised, Cesc Fabregas said: “Christmas is a time for giving and Manuel and I are honoured to be able to announce this fantastic sum of money raised for Teenage Cancer Trust. On behalf of all those who made a contribution on and around the Liverpool matchday, we say a big thank you and Merry Christmas!”

To celebrate the Club’s special matchday, nine Arsenal players appeared in a promotional film doing various funny things for teenagers with cancer. This prompted supporters from around the world to follow their lead and donate to Teenage Cancer Trust.

The season-long ‘Be a Gooner. Be a Giver.’ initiative is well on course to reach its £300,000 target which will fund an Education Zone within Teenage Cancer Trust’s brand new Day Care Centre at University College Hospital, London due to open in 2012.

Simon Davies, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust said: “We are incredibly touched by the kindness and generosity of Arsenal’s players and directors and also the fans, all of whom have contributed to this phenomenal achievement. The atmosphere at the match was amazing, it felt as though the whole stadium was there to support Teenage Cancer Trust. When a group of our teenagers stepped out onto the pitch before kick-off to thank the supporters they received a standing ovation – something that they, and all of us at the charity, will never forget.

“This matchday and Arsenal’s continued support throughout this season will make a huge difference to the many young cancer patients who will be treated at the new day care centre in London each year. We know that, for patients of this age, being able to stay in touch with friends and to continue with education while being treated is extremely important when it comes to psychological wellbeing and future choices.”

Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia said: “Helping Teenage Cancer Trust this season has been a privilege for all the players. We have met many of the teenagers and they all have such remarkable spirit. Making the film was really great fun. It’s rare that many members of the same team come together to make any kind of film and ‘Do What I Say’ really shows how I, and the others, are happy to support a charity such as Teenage Cancer Trust this season.”

Arsenal is the first organisation to commit to funding part of Teenage Cancer Trust’s unit in the Day Care Centre which will be the first of its kind in Europe. The Club hopes that other organisations will follow their lead, helping the charity to raise a further £1.2 million to complete the development of their unit within the Centre. Once open, the unit will enable Teenage Cancer Trust to increase its support for teenagers and young adults with cancer in the London area and the south east.

The total raised so far for Teenage Cancer Trust through the Arsenal partnership is £239,479.36. A dedicated website has been set up so supporters can continue to donate to Teenage Cancer Trust throughout the season.