Annual collections at Wolves games started back in 1995 thanks to Baroness Rachael Heyhoe Flint working with Tettenhall Rotary Club to support Power Pleas, a Wolverhampton charity providing wheelchairs and mobility aids to young people.
Since Rachael’s passing, the collections were renamed as ‘Rachael’s Day’ with Power Pleas and Tettenhall Rotary Club members, supported by Wolves Foundation, collecting from Wolves supporters before a home game.
The most recent one ahead of the Norwich City game in February of last season raised just over £2,000.
With no collection taking place this season due to behind-closed-doors fixture, the Wolves Lottery have kindly stepped up to make a donation of £1,300 to help fund a bespoke trike for two-year-old Romain Jackson.
Romain was one of twins born ten weeks prematurely at New Cross Hospital and he suffered with hydrocephalus (excess fluid on the brain) and was moved to Birmingham Children’s Hospital to have a shunt fitted to remove the fluid. He was there for five weeks before returning to New Cross for further treatment prior to being discharged.
Romain has also been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. His brother Roman was born healthy. The twins have an older brother – 11-year-old Ricky Jackson – who is with Wolves Academy.
Their grandad is Joe Jackson, who used to be at Wolves and made one first-team appearance against Notts County in 1984. Then went into local non-league football as both player and manager before working at Bilston Community College and then, over 20 years ago, setting up the New Park Village Football Development initiative which helps steer youngsters away from potential problems on the streets via football and other activities.
Emma Mcintosh, Romain’s mother, said: “Romain’s physiotherapist assessed him for a trike as he can’t manage a walking frame at present, and as soon as he tried one his face lit up.
“We approached Power Pleas to see if they could help with funding and were delighted to hear that with Wolves’ support, Romain has now been able to receive his trike.
“He is a lively and boisterous lad of few words who attends Bushbury Triangle Nursery with his brother.
“Even though Romain will still need to be assisted by others, this trike is going to give him some much-needed mobility and we are all extremely grateful.”
Keith Berry, chairman of Power Pleas, added: “As ever, all at Power Pleas are immensely grateful both to Tettenhall Rotary Club and Wolves Foundation and Wolves Lottery for their support to replace our annual matchday collection.
“Like so many charities, our funds are at the lowest they have been for many years due to the pandemic, and this is a greatly appreciated gesture which will improve the quality of Romain’s life beyond measure.
“Hopefully he will not be the first young lad who has learned and developed to use his legs thanks to a mobility aid and then eventually been able to go on and walk.”
