AFC Bournemouth has chosen Gully’s Place at Poole Hospital as one of its charity partners for the 2018/19 season. The partnership will support the charity through profile-raising player appearances, signed merchandise and club media support.
The partnership was officially unveiled to club supporters at an open training session for Junior Cherries.
The day was attended by over 500 junior supporters who were treated to watching the first team squad being coached by team manager, Eddie Howe, and assistant manager, Jason Tindall, at the Vitality Stadium.
Gully’s Place is a dedicated fund within the hospital’s charity and supports life limited children and their families by providing specially trained staff and purpose-designed space, including overnight accommodation for families. Gully’s Place aims to help to make being in hospital as relaxing and calm as possible at one of the most difficult times a family can face. They are supported by a dedicated group of volunteers and fundraisers who ensure this valuable work, in and out of hospital, can continue.
Also present at the unveiling were Gully’s Place volunteers, Annie McGrath and Brenda Grove, along with Erin Phillips, whose brother Jimmy was cared for in Gully’s Place suite at Poole Hospital.
Commenting on the partnership Eddie Howe said: “It was great to see some of the staff and volunteers from Gully’s Place at our recent Junior Cherries open training session.
“Poole Hospital is a place which is close to our hearts, with our squad and staff visiting every Christmas to meet the children who receive such great care there in such difficult circumstances.
“I’m delighted Gully’s Place will be our Junior Cherries charity partner for the new season and look forward to supporting them and helping raise awareness of the facility over the next year.”
Debbie Fleming, Poole Hospital chief executive, said the ongoing support of the club was hugely important to the whole hospital.
“We really value our close partnership with AFC Bournemouth. On behalf of the Gully’s Place team, and indeed the whole hospital, I would like to thank the club for their continuing generosity.”
Sara Fripp, corporate fundraiser, Poole Hospital Charity said, “We are delighted that Gully’s Place has been chosen as one of AFC Bournemouth’s charities of the year, we’re really excited about the partnership and look forward to a fantastic season of fundraising and creating some wonderful memories for our families.”