Grimsby Town’s new wheelchair viewing stand has been officially opened at Blundell Park following the successful completion of a fundraising campaign which raised the full £36,000 required to deliver the project.
The new facility, developed through a collaboration between Grimsby Town Football Club, the Mariners Trust and Grimsby Town Disabled Supporters Association (DSA), was officially opened on Thursday following a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by first-team players Maldini Kacurri, Iwan Morgan and Liv Kershaw, a Disabled Supporters Association ambassador, alongside representatives from the Club, Mariners Trust, DSA, wheelchair supporters and some of the project’s principal donors.
Our new stand was used for the first time during the Mariners’ recent fixture against Crawley Town as part of a successful test event, before being officially opened this week.
The new facility provides a significantly improved matchday experience for wheelchair users and their companions, with additional wheelchair spaces, companion seating, improved sightlines, protection from the elements and accessible facilities.
The project was made possible thanks to an incredible response from Mariners supporters, local businesses and community groups, with the fundraising campaign ultimately reaching its full £36,000 target.
Support came through the online Crowdfunder, offline donations, fundraising events, prize draws and individual contributions, demonstrating the strength of the Club’s community and the importance of making Blundell Park an accessible and welcoming home for everyone.
Among those supporting the project were principal donors Mike & Sue Parker and Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, alongside numerous supporters who contributed through the Crowdfunder campaign.
The DSA has played a key role throughout the project, helping to ensure that the new facility addresses the needs of wheelchair users attending matches at Blundell Park.
The new stand will be known as The Daphne Farquharson Wheelchair Stand, with plans for a further naming ceremony to take place in the coming weeks, providing an opportunity to celebrate Daphne’s contribution and welcome her family and friends to Blundell Park.
A board recognising major donors and those who contributed towards the project is also in place on the rear of the stand.
The Club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to everyone who played a part in bringing the project to life.
Polly Bancroft, Grimsby Town CEO, said:
“It’s fantastic to see this project reach such an important milestone and to officially open the new wheelchair viewing stand at Blundell Park.
“This has been a brilliant example of what can be achieved when the Club, the Mariners Trust, the Disabled Supporters Association and our wider community come together with a shared purpose. The support we received through the fundraising campaign was incredible, and we’re grateful to everyone who donated, organised events, bought raffle tickets or helped spread the word.
“Most importantly, this facility will make a genuine difference to our wheelchair supporters and their companions. Everyone should be able to come to Blundell Park, feel comfortable, feel included and enjoy watching their team, and this is another important step in making that experience the best it can be.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in bringing the project to life, and I hope the new stand will be enjoyed by our supporters for many years to come.”
Kevin Donovan, Chair of Grimsby Town Disabled Supporters Association, said:
“To see the new wheelchair viewing stand officially opened is a hugely proud moment for everyone involved with the Disabled Supporters Association.
“We’ve been campaigning for improvements to the wheelchair viewing facilities for a long time, so to now have a dedicated space with improved sightlines, better protection from the weather and additional facilities is fantastic.
“None of this would have been possible without the incredible support we received from the Club, the Mariners Trust, our principal donors and, most importantly, the supporters and local community who got behind the fundraising campaign.
“The DSA has been part of the Grimsby Town family for more than 40 years, and this stand is a really important investment in the future. We want wheelchair supporters to feel that Blundell Park is their home, and we hope this facility helps make matchdays more comfortable, enjoyable and accessible for everyone.
“I’d like to thank every single person who contributed to the project. This is something we can all be incredibly proud of.”
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