Generous Rovers donate to Oakley's appeal
By Paul Baker

Thursday 7th July 2005

GATE receipts from last night's pre-season friendly between cash-strapped Shamrock Rovers and Weymouth have being donated to the Oakley Waterman Appeal.

Six-year-old Oakley, son of Terras defender Dave and Lorraine Waterman, is terminally ill with cancer.

His parents are raising funds to purchase a £32,000 respite caravan on the Sussex coast to help other families affected by the disease.

After hearing of Oakley's tragic plight, Shamrock trustees immediately agreed to hand over all proceeds from match, which Weymouth won 1-0, to the cause.

"When you hear of something as tragic as the events facing Dave and his family, it puts the problems at Rovers in perspective," said spokesman Jonathan Roche.

"Our thoughts and prayers at this time are with Dave, his wife Lorraine and especially young Oakley. We can only wish them the strength to cope with their situation.

"Obviously Dave wasn't over here for the game - he has far more important things to do. However, we have expressed our deepest sympathy to Weymouth's club officials and players."

Terras manager Garry Hill, who received 700 Euros on behalf of Oakley after the game, said: "This is a truly fantastic gesture by our friends at Shamrock. The money includes a 200 Euros donation from one single supporter and I know Oakley and his parents will be over the moon.

"As a club, Shamrock are in real financial difficulties themselves and yet they've forgotten their troubles to help someone they've never even met. That just shows the great camaraderie that exists between football fans all over the world and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts."