West Brom football club bars Halton-based Runcorn2wembley charity collection

Mar 4 2010 by Oliver Clay, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

AN FA Cup charity campaign inspired by a Runcorn goalkeeper has been denied permission to collect from fans.

Runcorn2Wembley was at the West Bromwich Albion (WBA) v Reading replay on Wednesday night last week but the club the collection before kick off, citing safety fears.

Organiser Richard Knowles said the club’s stance was ‘frustrating’ because the campaign has nearly hit its target of raising £5,000 for Cancer Research.

Brothers Richard and Robert Knowles launched the FA Cup charity tour in memory of their father Graham, a Runcorn Linnets goalkeeper from the 1960s who died of cancer.

A WBA spokesman said no collection was allowed because of a steward shortage due to Aston Villa also playing the same night. He said the club also donated five tickets.

Richard said: “It was a big blow to the campaign, which relies heavily on collecting before each match.

“The club gave the volunteers tickets but the collection is the main way we raise cash.

“Being denied permission to collect at West Brom was very disappointing as we’re only £800 short of the target.

“As we get closer to Wembley it’s vital Runcorn2Wembley is given permission to collect or are at least supported by the clubs, something the campaign enjoyed from lower league teams.”

Robert added: “Our dad was a great footballer and this is an appropriate way to raise cash. He played for several non-league clubs and even in the FA Cup.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.co.uk/Richard-Knowles.

Follow the campaign at www.runcorn2wembley.blogspot.com.