Pompey fans continue to donate towards legend Len's fund

FANS continue to pledge their support for a fundraising drive in a Pompey legend's memory '“ but there is still time to donate.

The Pompey Supporters’ Trust’s Len Phillips Appeal has almost hit £500-worth of donations since it was launched.

The group has been accepting donations through its online Paypal account and volunteers were equipped with buckets to collect funds at the Watford clash last week.

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All funds collected in the drive will go to the Exbury Ward at St James’ Hospital, Southsea, where Mr Phillips spent some time being cared for.

The legendary forward, who made a total of 261 appearances and scored 62 goals for Pompey during the 1940s and 1950s, died in December.

The ward, which is run by the Solent NHS Trust, has this week thanked the supporters’ trust for its efforts in raising the cash.

It provides continuing assessment and treatment of enduring mental health problems, including Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.

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The ward also has its own garden, which was opened by Mr Phillips.

Debbie Clarke, associate director of adult and older people’s services at the trust, said: ‘We are grateful for this kind gesture to the ward, which will help our patience experience.

‘We will be discussing in detail with the older people’s mental health staff and other patients on the ward how best to spend the money they have so generously donated.

‘We are, of course, also very grateful to the supporters’ association who have donated money to the cause.’

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Scott Mclachlan, spokesman for the supporters’ trust, told The News: ‘It is lovely to hear that the patients themselves will be asked how the money will be spent.

‘I’m sure they all loved Len and would want to do something in his memory that will last.

‘The trust is very proud to help and to know that fans’ donations will help the ward and its residents to remember him.’

Former Pompey and England star Ray Crawford, a close friend of Mr Phillips, said: ‘Anything we can raise for this appeal will be tremendous.’

A collection will be held before the West Ham United clash at Fratton Park on January 14.

Visit pompeytrust.com to find out more and donate through its Paypal account.