Spennymoor Town FC’s club photographer has raised almost a thousand pounds for charity after bringing together supporters, players, sponsors and other clubs.
David Nelson, who has photographed the Moors for more than six years, was spurred into action by the coronavirus crisis and wanted to galvanise people’s love of sporting moments to support local efforts.
David auctioned off high-quality prints of some of the club’s greatest recent moments, signed by the likes of players Andrew Johnson, Glen Taylor and Ryan Hall.
Taylor prints in particular proved popular, attracting interest from further afield than County Durham. The Moors hitman’s late winner over Chorley at the end of last season helped Stockport clinch promotion to the National League, making him a cult hero with Hatters fans. A number of decided they wanted a print signed by the man himself and leapt at the opportunity to contribute.
Half of the £940 raised has now been paid to the Covid-19 Emergency Appeal and the remaining half has been split between charities close to the club and the surrounding area: Solan Connor Fawcett, Heel and Toe and the Great North Air Ambulance.
David was surprised at the levels the donations reached, but is thrilled with the final outcome.
He said: “There are a lot of people who need to be thanked for helping us reach this total.
“Thanks to the players for giving their time to sign the prints. Thanks to the Moors supporters for their generosity and the Stockport County supporters for their brilliant contribution to the fundraising.
“A big thank you must also go to club sponsor Aztec Colour Print for the speedy, quality turnaround. Director Lee Redford printed the second batch at no cost after we sold out of the first batch in under 24 hours. That helped boost the total further.
“Thanks also to Rob Ramshaw, who has bought a print himself which he’s going to give to the club to be placed in the Sports Bar.
“I’d like to continue fundraising and raise some cash for the club itself soon, so keep an eye out for some more opportunities.”
Adam Brown, Director of Marketing and Communications at Spennymoor Town FC, said: “David always does the club proud whenever he’s representing us and he’s gone one step further again today.
“He’s a credit to the club and the town and it is testament to the quality of his work that people leapt at the opportunity to own limited edition prints of his photography.
“He has been busy thanking people for their help raising the funds, but I think it is important that we all take a moment to thank David.”
