Northampton Town players support fan with cash donation following burglary

Northampton Town players have made a donation from their own pockets to help a supporter who was the victim of a burglary.

The Chron reported how fans had chipped in with more than £2,000 to replace specialist computer equipment for Derry Felton after his Briar Hill home was burgled.

Before the York City game last Saturday, chairman Kelvin Thomas arranged for lifelong supporter Derry to meet the squad.

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And afterwards club captain skipper Marc Richards organised whip-round amongst the players, and he invited Derry down to Sixfields on Friday to receive the £250 raised by the squad.

He said: “We were all really upset and angry when we heard what had happened.

“It was great to meet Derry at the York game but I felt we could do a little more.

“I know supporters have been raising money as well, and hopefully this will all help. The supporters stuck by the club when we needed their help, so it is only right we do what we can in return.”

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Derry said: “It was a great gesture. I’ve been a Cobblers fan for years so to be helped out by the players themselves is fantastic.”

Some of Derry’s original equipment was supplied after the Special Effect charity raised money three years ago, and it is a charity that is close to

Cobblers Chairman Kelvin Thomas too.

Mr Thomas said: “It was great to find out Special Effect had helped Derry before as they do such a wonderful job.

“I understand they are looking to loan Derry some equipment next week so that he can get back to normal as soon as possible.

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“It is beyond belief that some people will steal such equipment, which is a lifeline for people like Derry, but I am proud that the players, staff and supporters of the club, as well as Special Effect, have rallied round when he needed help.

“It further illustrates the special bond this club has and the determination to help and make a difference when we can.”

Derry has been paralysed from the neck down since he was two years old and uses a headset that allows him to use his laptop without typing or clicking.

But that, along with the laptop itself, another computer, portable hard drives, three games consoles and his carer’s car keys were all taken during a

recent burglary.

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A JustGiving page was set up to raise money for Derry, to support this please visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/adam-johnson

For more details on Special Effect, please visit: http://www.specialeffect.org.uk/