OVF and Port Vale FC unite to salute Valiant duo
Port Vale FC, in association with the OVF website will be holding a charity collection and welcoming two guests of honour at the home game against Dagenham.
Port Vale supporters Steve Buffey and Pete Blakeman had a different start to the season than most Vale fans.
As part of the RAF’s Tactical Supply Wing they were busy supporting helicopter operations flying out of Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, but they still managed to log onto onevalefan.co.uk (OVF) to get the latest on their football team.
So, when OVF editor Rob Fielding learnt that the pair would be returning to the UK in time to see the Valiants take on Dagenham and Redbridge, he wondered if there was anything that could be done to mark the occasion.
Steve had mentioned that both he and Pete were keen supporters of the Help for Heroes charity, which raises money for injured soldiers, so Rob decided to act.
He contacted the pair’s families, who were very happy to let him arrange a celebration in honour of Steve and Pete. So, next stop was staff at Port Vale FC, who immediately replied offering their full support.
The club have arranged for collections to take place around Vale Park ahead of Tuesday evening’s game, while onevalefan.co.uk will be publicising an online donation page for anyone unable to make it on Tuesday night. Steve and Pete will be the club’s guests of honour and will lead the teams onto the pitch.
OVF founder Rob Fielding commented: “I’m delighted we can celebrate the safe return of two Vale fans and show just how proud we are of the job that they do.
“I’d like to sincerely thank Port Vale football club for their help and in particular Steve Currie and Bill Lodey who have gone out of their way to assist.
“I’m delighted that a fans’ website and the club can come together like this to support a good cause and to welcome Steve and Pete back.”
If you miss the collections at ValeParkor are unable to attend the game, you can donate online via this link – http://www.bmycharity.com/valeparkcollection
OFFICIALLY ENDORSED BY HELP FOR HEROES
The collection around the ground and the online donations page are both officially registered with the Help for Heroes charity(registered number 1120920). All money raised will go directly to the charity. This event has been registered with Help for Heroes with the event ID 39120924.