Billingham Synthonia players make generous donation to three wards at the James Cook University Hospital

Billingham Synthonia players have handed a financial boost to three wards at the James Cook University Hospital with a generous donation.
Washington FC (blue) V Billingham Synthonia FC.Washington FC (blue) V Billingham Synthonia FC.
Washington FC (blue) V Billingham Synthonia FC.

With NHS staff under increasing pressure as the coronavirus epidemic continues to spread, the Synners have become the latest North East non-league club to show their generous side by donating their ‘fine money’ from the 2019/20 season to the hospital.

Ward 15 (the Acute Assessment Unit), the Intensive Care Unit and the Accident and Emergency Unit will all benefit from the players’ decision to hand over the donation of funds collected by club captain Foster Garton.

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That move comes days after fellow Northern League club West Auckland Town revealed that their players have donated their own ‘players pool’ money to the NHS – a gesture that inspired the Synners players to do similar.

Skipper Garton explained: “At Synners, we have a fines pot in which players can be fined for things such as being late on matchday or having dirty boots.

“This money is paid out of players’ own pockets and it’s usually put towards an end of the season do.

“This year we had originally planned to go to the races – but, after seeing West Auckland’s great gesture, it inspired us to help out where we can.

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“It was put to the lads that our plan was to donate the money directly to the three wards at the James Cook Hospital, who will be or have been most affected by this pandemic.

“All players agreed without a second thought that this was a far better use for the money and much more important at these unprecedented times.

“As a club, we appreciate all of the hard work everyone at the James Cook Hospital do and are doing at this very tough time, and although it’s not a huge amount of money, this is a gesture of our gratitude for their continued efforts.”

With the gesture, Synners have become the latest North East non-league club to show their generous side as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread.

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