DCCP - Community News

Jonno's Kids of Courage

Rams star Michael Johnson is inviting five of Derbyshire's most courageous children to spend Boxing Day as his guests at Pride Park Stadium.

The caring defender this season invested in the club by purchasing an executive box and, at the Luton game, he's opening the doors to youngsters who have demonstrated amazing bravery in the face of adversity.

Five children aged 16 or under, plus a parent or carer, will enjoy refreshments before the game on 26 December (3pm kick-off), complimentary matchday programmes and the best seats in the house when the action gets underway.

And, at the final whistle, Jonno himself will make his way up to the box to sign autographs and have his photo taken with the VIP guests.

Now, as the centre-half plans to put his exclusive guestlist together, he wants to hear from YOU, so write to him, care of club PR Officer Chris Kershaw, and he'll choose who he believes to be the most deserving cases.

But, don't worry if you miss out on this occasion, Jonno will keep all letters on file and will be repeating his Kids of Courage initiative at a match towards the end of the season.

He says "I purchased the box to not only give something back to a football club that has been so good to me, and where I've thoroughly enjoyed my time, but also to do something for the Derbyshire community.

"I've got a healthy young son myself so I know what it's like to be a parent, but there are some children out there who have much tougher lives and I want to help bring a smile to a few of their faces.

"I want to hear from parents and carers, or the youngsters themselves, and on Boxing Day give them a day out they'll never forget. Send your letters to me as soon as possible so we can get the ball rolling."

If you know of a youngster, aged 16 or under, who is deserving of this once in a lifetime experience, please send the full story, including your contact details, to: Jonno's Kids of Courage, c/o Chris Kershaw, Derby County Football Club, Pride Park Stadium, Derby, DE24 8XL.

Jonno's aim with his executive box is not just to use it as a viewing gallery for family and friends, but to help strengthen links between himself, the club and the wider world - both on a community and commercial level.

If you are a company who would be interested in hiring out the facility and meeting the man himself, log on to www.theplayersbox.com.

This article originally published in The Ram Official Matchday Magazine dated Saturday 29 October 2005

Site Map