Matchday collection raises over £1000 for charity
Dean Holden has thanked everyone who so kindly supported a collection in memory of the former Greenhous Meadow defender's infant daughter Cici at Saturday's home match against Swindon.
Dean and his wife Danielle suffered the tragic loss of Cici to the rapid onset of meningitis while they were on holiday abroad earlier this year.
Volunteers from the Official Supporters Club staged a bucket collection at the Swindon game with the proceeds to be shared between the Meningitis Trust and St Mark's School in Worsley, Manchester, where the couple's two sons, Joey, five, and Ellis, four, are pupils.
An impressive total of £1,070,74 was raised and will be presented to Dean before Shrewsbury's next home League One game against his Walsall side in front of the Sky TV cameras on Sunday, October 14.
"It means such a lot and Danielle and myself would like to thank everyone," said Dean. "It's unbelievable really that people who you've never met are so nice and we're very grateful.
"I was only at Shrewsbury for quite a short time but I've had so many nice messages from supporters which have been much appreciated.
"The money will go to the Meningitis Trust and the school our sons attend as they've been brilliant."
Dean added he was now looking forward to his first playing return to the Greenhous Meadow later this month and catching up with a few familiar faces.
Shrewsbury Town were also delighted with the response to the collection.
Martin James, the club's community development manager, said: "It was an amazing response from the supporters and players of Shrewsbury Town and Swindon Town."