Friends of Grace Road Raise Record Funds

Leicestershire CCC has received a record-breaking £15,000 donation from Friends of Grace Road following the supporters’ club’s phenomenal fundraising efforts during 2022.

The volunteer-run club enjoyed an unprecedented year thanks to their matchday raffles, homemade cake sales and quiz nights at Uptonsteel County Ground.

CEO Sean Jarvis accepted the cheque on behalf of the Club, presented by Friends of Grace Road Chairman John Stew, while a host of FoGR’s team were also in attendance.

Speaking about their kind donation, Steve Pratt, Café Manager for Friends of Grace Road, said: “The £15,000 raised demonstrates a tremendous effort from a small but dedicated band of volunteers.

“It was to come back so strongly following COVID, and we’d like to thank our volunteers and all supporters who bought a cake, raffle ticket or came to our events.”

FoGR’s fundraising endeavours date back to November 1970, while the Friends' first contribution to the Club was a cheque for £140, presented in June 1971.

The first event, a rummage sale, was the catalyst for a long and varied series of activities, now spanning more than 50 years. Dances, skittle evenings, ‘knit-ins’, fashion shows, book sales, Christmas markets, treasure hunts and sports quizzes, to name a few, have all helped raise funds for the Club.

CEO Sean Jarvis added: “We are extremely grateful to Friends of Grace Road for their invaluable support.

“They form a huge part of our history, and are so passionate that their donations go directly to making everyone’s experience at Grace Road better year-on-year. It’s a special relationship.”

FoGR’s record donation will be reinvested into facilitating the Club’s future projects at Uptonsteel County Ground, with news to be announced in due course.