Big-hearted Chesterfield fans raise more than £4,000 for Derbyshire medical centre staff after threats

In the last few days it has emerged that three Spireites players and three members of staff have received the Covid-19 vaccine at Stubley Medical Centre in Dronfield.

The story featured heavily in the national press and included inaccurate claims that they ‘jumped the queue’ for the jab.

As a result, staff at the medical centre received personal threats and abuse.

In a later statement the medical centre confirmed the players and staff who received the jab were called at short notice and that the vaccine would have gone to waste had they not turned up.

The centre says it ‘stands by the decision’.

Town fan Stella Mitchell, who lives in Chesterfield, set-up a fundraising drive for the Stubley centre, and they have asked for all donations to go to Ashgate Hospicecare.

She told the DT: “I'm chuffed to bits!

"What started out as a suggestion to send some flowers to Stubley Medical Centre snowballed.

"I was really pleased when they nominated Ashgate Hospice as their charity, as they would have normally benefited from a matchday bucket collection, had it not been for Covid.

"It's an amazing amount of money but, I've learned over the years, how generous Town fans can be, particularly towards those who support our local community.

"There have been some wonderful comments on the donations, some have brought a tear to my eye, and others have reminded me just how happy the fans are to have the club headed in the right direction.”

Stella’s Just Giving page states: “After the adverse and unfair publicity in the national press, surrounding a small number of Chesterfield FC staff/players receiving Covid-19 vaccinations, Stubley Medical Centre staff were subject to unacceptable abuse.

“As a show of support, and a thank you for their excellent efforts in delivering vaccinations, fans of the club would like to do something positive.

“Stubley Medical Centre have been contacted, and have asked that any funds raised are given to support Ashgate Hospice Winter Crisis appeal.”

Earlier this season, Blues fans raised more than £12,000 in 48 hours for new training equipment and £350 to pay for manager James Rowe’s yellow card fine.

Donations close on Sunday, February 14.

Donate HERE.