Hi everyone... I’m absolutely delighted to announce the launch of my foundation JW23.
Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible, a massive thank you for all the donations which have been truly humbling and has enabled me to get this off the ground and for everyone who has liked, shared or commented. I’m looking forward to going on this journey with you all, I know together we can make such a positive impact and a huge difference in people’s lives.
You can find more of our aims and goals on the website and over all our social channels but below is a little background on how the foundation was ‘born’.
It was at my old manager, Chris Nicholl charity football match - raising funds and awareness for Chris's escalating dementia diagnosis and care - that I first starting thinking of setting up ‘something’ that would help many ex-players, like Chris, who are struggling and in need of help.
Lots of my former Walsall teammates had turned up to play against a star studded, Southampton team - another of Chris's former teams where he played and managed. We raised an amazing £10k, which was immeasurably going to help Chris and his family help with his care costs. If we could do this for Chris, how many other former players that were in need could we reach and help!?
Since then, I have been involved in many various charity events, golf days and the like, for some excellent causes. Prostate Cancer UK, Dom's Food Mission, JE3 Foundation, WHU Foundation, Bobby Moore Foundation and DT38 Foundation, just to name a few. Each time these inspired me more and got me thinking about how I could help former players and teammates that along with all these amazing charities, needed help.
I thought for a while how to do this and decided the best way was through a foundation.. through this we could try and set up a ‘support system’ as well as fundraising events that could give the help needed to many ex players, that after years of giving there all on the pitch, are now struggling with various related mental and physical health issues, addictions and financial struggles that impact them hugely.
I further developed this idea to include help for grassroots football, in particular people and kids who are struggling to have opportunities through the game afforded to many, weather through financial struggles or disabilities - the beautiful game should and must be available to everyone. I also wanted to continue helping the various charities that I have already been involved with, there is some fantastic, inspiring work that goes on for these charities, so I want to continue to help these, hopefully collaborating with them over the coming years..
Although full of hope and great ideas to help, there never seemed a ‘perfect’ time to get this off the ground. When my dear friend and former teammate, Wayne Evans, suddenly passed away, I questioned weather there is indeed, ever a perfect time. With ‘Wanners’ memory in mind, giving me the drive to push through with it and the help of many along the way, I’m delighted to finally have the foundation ready to go.
I can’t wait to see how far we can take this together
Many many thanks
Jimmy
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