Bognor football fundraiser gets unexpected boost... from Dame Vera Lynn

The Rocks' fundraising bid will get a boost thanks to national treasure Dame Vera Lynn, who sadly passed away aged 103 yesterday.
The letter Ken Wood received from Dame Very LynnThe letter Ken Wood received from Dame Very Lynn
The letter Ken Wood received from Dame Very Lynn

Stalwart Bognor fan Ken Wood wrote to the World War II Forces' Sweetheart two months ago appealing to her charitable nature and asking for a signed photo which he hoped to be able to auction to help swell the coffers at Nyewood Lane.

The club has raised almost £35,000 to help with a huge ground redevelopment at the ground with work on a new 367-seat grandstand, a new terrace cover at the Seasons end of the ground, plus new floodlights, toilets and a sound system due to start soon.

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And season-ticket holder Ken has been instrumental in helping organising fundraising efforts. And the Halfords worker, 31, says he was “absolutely astonished” to receive a letter from the iconic singer - who of course lived in Sussex and had strong connections throughout the county - this morning (Friday).

Now Ken plans to auction the letter hoping that a big fan of the much-loved entertainer -- so fondly remember for songs such as We'll Meet Again and The White Cliffs of Dover -- will want to treasure the poignant letter.

Ken said: "I was gobsmacked when I picked up the mail and opened the letter. The timing is a bit surreal to be honest. Dame Vera was, and is, a national treasure and to receive this letter the day after she sadly passed away was to me very poignant indeed. It shows just how caring a person she must have been when you consider her age and fragility, and that obviously she was unwell.

"I've been helping the Rocks raise funds and I think letting someone cherish the letter who can donate to the fundraising appeal would be perfect.

"It's so touching that such a wonderful woman took time to reply to me even when she was so poorly. She will be missed and this new connection with the Rocks will live on, cherishing her memory."

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