Villa Raise A Whopping £108,835 For Acorns

Aston Villa's 'Acorns Day' activities have raised over one hundred thousand pounds for the clubs' official charity.

The initial aim was to hit the £50,000 (the amount required to run a hospice for one week) mark but thanks to club staff, fans and the players that target has been eclipsed.

Players donated a percentage of their match fee, and Shay Given donated his win bonus from the Fulham match, and following the days activities and the ebay auctions the total stood at £54,417,50.

The board then stepped in to match that figure and double it.

Speaking on behalf of the board, Randy Lerner told the Official Site:

'The board of Aston Villa is proud because, while no amount of financial support can be called enough for the work and service that Acorns provides the communities that it serves, the efforts given by Villa supporters, players and management has resulted in gifts in excess of £100,000. William McGregor once referred to the club's 'activity in philanthropic enterprise' and insisted that 'superiors of Aston Villa cannot be found'. It's nice to know that these traditions and ideals and this spirit within the club lives on. We so warmly thank the countless many that made Acorns Day at Villa Park so special, including the players and management of Fulham. Finally, a special thanks to David Strudley (CEO of Acorns), who serves tirelessly and selflessly for the benefit of others.'

Mr Strudley will be presented with the cheque at the Chelsea game, and he added:

'To have reached the target set was a wonderful achievement in itself. For the club to generously double the amount raised is beyond all expectations. This amazing amount will allow us to run a 10 bed hospice offering respite, emergency and end of life care to local children for two whole weeks. On behalf of all the children and families at Acorns, I would like to say a huge thank you to the club, players, fans and, in particular, Randy Lerner for this wonderful gift. It is a true testament to the strength of this unique and very special relationship.'

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