Runcorn2Wembley campaign given royal dismissal at Reading

Feb 4 2010 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THE fundraising efforts of a group of charitable Runcorn residents were scuppered at a recent FA Cup tie after they were banned from collecting cash for Cancer Research.

The Runcorn2Wembley campaign, which is aiming to raise a total of £5,000 from fans before games in every single round of this season’s competition, came a cropper at the home of Reading, known as the Royals.

The group was unable to collect before Reading’s home win over Burnley at the Madejski in the fourth round, as the Guide Dogs for the Blind charity was already collecting there.

Organised by brothers Richard and Robert Knowles, Runcorn2Wembley’s current total stands at just over £3,200, after having followed England’s premier cup competition since August 15.

Richard, 35, said: “We understand why Reading couldn’t allow us to collect and wouldn’t have wanted to hinder a collection for another worthwhile charity.

“But it’s still very frustrating that the campaign has again not raised any money from a game where we would have hoped to generate around £500.”

The draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup takes the brothers and their team of volunteers back to Reading, as they take on West Bromwich Albion.

Richard, who undertook the task in memory of his late, football-crazy father, is hoping for a better result.

He added: “Reading did provide two complimentary tickets for Runcorn2wembley, but we had to pay for another two for the volunteers who came to the game.

“Robert and I spent eight hours on the 420-mile round trip to the game, so we’re hoping the next time we come to Reading it will be to raise vital funds for Cancer Research.

To donate visit www.justgiving.co.uk/richard-knowles or runcorn2wembley.blogspot.com.