Blue Day backed by Pompey as trust looks to reach £1m

WITH less than four weeks to go until Blue Day 2016, Pompey are showing their support for what could be a landmark year for the annual event.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Apr 2016, 06:26 BST
Back, from left, Ben Davies, Gary Roberts, Tom Prince's uncle Peter Prince, Kev 'the kitman' McCormack, Paul Jones and Marc McNulty with, front from left, Gareth Evans, Michael Doyle and Jack Whatmough. Picture: Sarah Standing (160609-2023)Back, from left, Ben Davies, Gary Roberts, Tom Prince's uncle Peter Prince, Kev 'the kitman' McCormack, Paul Jones and Marc McNulty with, front from left, Gareth Evans, Michael Doyle and Jack Whatmough. Picture: Sarah Standing (160609-2023)
Back, from left, Ben Davies, Gary Roberts, Tom Prince's uncle Peter Prince, Kev 'the kitman' McCormack, Paul Jones and Marc McNulty with, front from left, Gareth Evans, Michael Doyle and Jack Whatmough. Picture: Sarah Standing (160609-2023)

The club is again backing the fundraiser for the Tom Prince Cancer Trust, supported by The News, by encouraging people to dress in blue and hold blue-themed activities on Friday, May 6.

The day is held in memory of Tom Prince, a huge Pompey fan, who died from the rare bone cancer osteosarcoma on the eve of his 16th birthday.

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When Pompey reached the semi-final of the FA Cup in 2008, the cancer trust decided to hold the first Blue Day.

It was a huge success and a second day was held when Pompey reached the final at Wembley the following month.

Since then, Blue Day has been held every year on the day before Pompey’s final home match of the season.

Pompey have been supporting the event and are encouraging businesses and schools to take part as the trust looks to hit the magical £1m mark.

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Pompey defender Jack Whatmough said: ‘It is important for the club to support Blue Day.

‘Tom Prince died at such a young age so it is nice that we can get behind the trust. We are a big city and a club with a big fan base so hopefully we can help the trust reach that £1m target.

‘With the club being owned by the fans, it is important that we support these causes and encourage others to take part, too.’

Pompey manager Paul Cook added: ‘We’re delighted to support Blue Day once more and I’m sure our fans will get behind this fantastic event like they always do.’

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As previously reported in The News, since Blue Day started in 2008, the Tom Prince Cancer Trust has raised £980,000.

It is hoping to reach the £1m target with this year’s Blue Day on May 6.

More than 25 schools and businesses have already registered.

Peter Prince, Tom’s uncle, said: ‘Without Pompey and the backing of the club, it would have been harder to reach that target. To be so close is incredible and it is something the city can be really proud of. We are a very small charity but to take that in context of what’s been raised is incredible. It is great.’

To register or for more information visit tomprince.co.uk

Related topics:PompeyJack WhatmoughPaul CookWembley