A Ray of Hope Liverpool Fan's Appeal
By Karl Coppack
February 9 2008
Please forgive an article from a Liverpool fan. I realise that I might not be the most popular person on these boards but I want to talk about a man who would definitely be welcome. You don’t need me to tell you about Ray Kennedy’s role in the double winning 1971 season, or his heroics against Anderlecht, but what is less known is Ray’s current condition.
These days he lives alone in the North East, not far from the fields where he played as a boy. He is now in his mid-fifties, and ravaged by Parkinson’s Disease. There are some days when he can walk around and communicate properly, but on others he isn’t so lucky. The disease affects 120,000 people in the UK, with one in 20 of those diagnosed under 40. Ray was diagnosed in his mid thirties so he has lived with a degenerative disease for over two decades.
Basically Ray needs our help. His care costs money and he needs to make his home more accessible. He was diagnosed too early to make his way as a coach or as a pundit, so a stream of revenue has been taken from him. However, Ray is not the sort of man who complains about his condition and faces it with the same dignity and stoicism that made his name. We cannot stress enough that Ray did not ask for this campaign. It is the idea of the Ray of Hope Appeal’s trustees.
Can you help? We are organising various raffles and charity events from the Liverpool end and are aware that Arsenal fans want to be involved. If you can arrange something that could help Ray we would be immensely grateful. If you wish to make a donation, or even better – a standing order, there are Paypal account set up for online donations – please pay all donations to rayofhopeappeal@hotmail.co.uk
Alternatively, please pay direct contributions to the Ray of Hope Appeal c/o HSBC account 21817299 sort-code 40-03-27. Paying direct or doing a bank transfer will avoid paypal commission.
Let’s not forget that Ray was there for us when we needed him. Now he needs us.
Karl Coppack (On behalf of The Ray of Hope Appeal)
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