Football fans' generosity

A lifelong Pompey fan has helped raise thousands of pounds for St John Ambulance in Hampshire to make up for money owed by the club.

24 hours to reach goal

Tom Purnell, 47, set up a ‘Just Giving’ page on Thursday and within 24 hours football fans from across the country had reached their goal.

Mr Purnell, a Local Government Officer, now hopes fans will carry on donating to the charity that aims to make ‘the difference between a life lost and a life saved’.

‘All of the fans are disgusted by what has happened at the club. Small charities, local businesses and schools have lost millions,’ he said.

‘St John Ambulance was one that just stuck out – all I did was create a site, which took five minutes.  I put a link on one message board and it just caught people’s imagination.’

Mr Purnell, who now lives in Derby, said St John Ambulance volunteers had treated his son when he was sick at an away match at Aston Villa.

He added: ‘My dad was only a few seats away from where the charity’s first aiders helped a man who collapsed a few weeks ago.’

Pat Morris, Commander of St John Ambulance in Hampshire, said she was bowled over by Mr Purnell’s idea and the generosity of the country’s football fans.

‘Our volunteers are by the touch line at football matches up and the down the country every week.  We are there to help people who need us and I think it is absolutely wonderful that these fans are now helping us in such a generous way.’