Tamer James grows a moustache for Movember

Tamer James, who was a Physio at Exeter City who worked with and was a close friend of Adams is growing a moustache for Movember.  Tamer has very kindly decided to do this to raise funds for the Foundation.  Tamer wrote the following on his Virgin Giving page:

"Hi everyone

Thought Id join in Movember and donate all funds to the Adam Stansfield Foundation.

For those of you who are unaware, Stanno was a professional footballer who played for Exeter City and others during his career. He sadly passed away due to Bowel Cancer in 2010. He was the nicest guy you could ever wish to meet and a pleasure to work alongside."

If you would like to support Tamer you can do so by donating on his fundraising page by clicking on the following link:

Tamer James Online Giving Page

Supporters Walk To Yeovil To Raise Funds.

A group of about 15 supporters from Exeter City FC are walking from St James Park, Exeter to Huish Park, Yeovil (50 Miles) prior to the League 1 match on Saturday 19th November 2011. They will be leaving SJP at 4.30pm on the Friday and walking overnight to reach Yeovil in time for the kick off at 3.00pm.  This is a huge effort and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the guys for doing this. 

If you would like to support the guys you can do so by pledging on the following link:-

virginmoneygiving.com / AS9walktoyeovil

Also prior to this fixture Yeovil Town fans will be playing Exeter City fans for the Adam Stansfield Trophy on Yeovil's training pitch - KO at 10.30am. Adam's younger brother Paul will be playing for the Exeter City fans.  It would be great if a good crowd could get along to cheer the teams on, should be a great match if last years is anything to go by.

Exmouth Journal Reports on "Jump For Stanno"

Here is a link to the Exmouth Journal's report on the recent fundraising Skydivers:

Jump For Stanno

Express and Echo reports on recent Funding Requests.

Here is a link to the Express and Echo's report on some of the recent fundings we have been able to do. This is where all the people who have and continue to fundraise are really starting to make a difference. Thank you so much guys, none of this is possible without all of you. xx
Delight As Adam Cash Handed Out

Mountain challenge in memory of Adam

Here is a link to the Express and Echo's report on Jamie Bircham's Ben Nevis challenge: Jamie & Esme to climb Ben Nevis in memory of Adam  Jamie and Esme completed the climb in just 9 hours, a really great effort.  A massive thank you  from all of us for doing this.  If anyone would like to sponsor the guys for completing this task here is the link to their online donation page: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/esmeandjamie  Thanks again to Jamie and Esme, really hope you enjoyed it and look forward to hearing all about it. xx

Charity Varsity Match

We are really pleased to be able to advertise this year's Charity Varsity Match.  Can the pro's show the students how it;s done as an Exeter City team take on a student team from Exeter University?   We at The Foundation are extremely honoured to be chosen as one of the Charities for this event and we would encourage as many people as possible to get along and watch.  The annual Varsity match is always a great occasion and it would be great if as many people could get along to support.  Huge thanks to all the guys at the University for choosing The Foundation as one of its chosen charities for this years match.  It really is appreciated.  Timings and Prices for the event as per the above poster: 5th October 2011, Kick Off 7:45pm, St James' Park Stadium, Tickets £4 in advance from Exeter City reception, The Club Shop and the University Sports Park Reception.  Alternatively £5 on the gate on match day.

The Express & Echo Reports On... One Year On...

Here is a link to a nice feature written by Tom Bevan of the Express and Echo.  He reports on the Foundation's formation, it's first year, and the future.  Click on the link to have a read. xx Feature from The Express and Echo

One Year On...

Just wanted to say thank you for all the well wishes and kind comments we received in the week which marked a year since Adam's passing.

Fantasy Football League

Yeovil Town fan Philip Park has very kindly set up an Adam Stansfield Foundation League in the official fantasy league game of the Premier League.

Here Philip explains what you would need to do if you were interested in giving it a go:

Fans Unite In Memory Of Adam

Here is the Express and Echo's report on the Exeter City Supporters versus Plymouth Argyle Supporters fundraising matches:

Official Press Release As Foundation Unveiled As Sainsbury's New Local Charity Partner

The Adam Stansfield Foundation UNVEILED AS SAINSBURY’S NEW LOCAL CHARITY PARTNER

• The Adam Stansfield Foundation announced as Sainsbury’s Exeter Guildhall new local charity partner for 2011/2012

Express and Echo article on The Banger Rally

FOUR Devon lads have been looking for sturdy and dependable transport to complete a 1,250-mile banger rally from Lille to Barcelona – and vehicles don't come much more robust than a tank.

Holly Bint and family raise £333 by completing the Chagford Two Hills Race

Holly Bint, along with her Dad Jon, Mum Ruth and siblings Joseph (12) and Morwenna (10), recently completed the Chagford Two Hills Race in aid of the Foundation.

Hi Guys,

Just in case you have not read Barry's blog, this was the last update before his Knee forced him to stop running. 126 miles in 5 days was amazing. Barry will decide in the future whether he will be able to attempt this mammoth effort again. Thanks for giving it a go Barry, know how gutted you were that the knee played up, especially seeing as how well it was all going apart from that:

Around The Grounds Team To Hold Charity Auction

Back in March this year Chris Sumner (A.K.A Grecian the Lion), Kate Blackburn, Adam Wright, Steve Fowler and Dave Jones set off from Hereford in a hire car to embark on a charity event to raise money for the Adam Stansfield Foundation and Free Kicks Foundation. They visited all 92 Football League grounds in England & Wales in under 80 hours (77 Hours and 28 minutes to be exact!)

Official Press Release For Barry's Very Long Run...

John O’Groats to Lands End run for the Adam Stansfield Foundation
Former Exeter City footballer Barry McConnell runs 1,000 miles in just one month
(40 marathons in 30 days)

On 1st June 2011, former Exeter City Footballer, Barry McConnell, will begin his 1,000 mile run from John O’Groats to Lands End in aid of the Adam Stansfield Foundation.

Local Charity Of The Year Nomination

SAINSBURY Supermarket in the Guildhall, Exeter have put the Adam Stansfield Foundation forward as a nominee for their local charity of the year. if possible please pop into the Guildhall and fill out the nomination form or speak to a member of staff and help us secure this. Nominations close on 25th May 2011 so you need to be quick. The more votes we get the more chance we have and what an accolade this would be. Thank you xx

Stanno Flag to be Fire Proofed

Our thanks go to Exeter City main shirt sponsor and partner Flybe for once again supporting us in the memory of Adam. Several grounds City have travelled to this season have insisted that Stanno's flag has a fire safety certificate. Flybe have generously agreed to fund the £300 treatment required to fire proof the flag meaning Exeter City fans will be able to show supporters at other grounds that our Adam will never be forgotten. Thanks again Flybe.

Hi Guys, getting a few questions about what to do with sponsor money collected from The Great West Run and other events. If you could send your sponsor forms with a cheque to the foundation address that would be great:

The Adam Stansfield Foundation
PO Box 174
Tiverton
Devon
EX16 0ET

Any worries please get in touch. Huge thanks to all again for all your hard work. Watch for news soon as youngsters start to benefit from your efforts. xx

Oliver Holt Article

Lovely Oliver Holt Article in the Daily Mirror. Thanks Kirstie, emotional stuff. xxx

Volunteers Required

Hi guys, on the lookout for volunteers if possible. The Great West Run organisers are looking for 20 volunteers to service the drinks station at the Arena from 8am to 12:30pm ish on the day of the event (Sunday May 1st). In return for this help a donation to the Foundation Will be made. If you think you can help please contact Andy Cole at andy.cole@exetercityfc.co.uk. Many thanks in advance for any help you can give. It as always is very much appreciated. xx

Ken's Walk For The Foundation Is Underway

Ken Masters has set out on his charity challenge to raise money for the Adam Stansfield Foundation.

Ken left Rovers' training ground this morning at the start of his grueling West Country walk to raise money for charity.

At the end of the month Ken will be walking between Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town and Exeter City in memory of Adam Stansfield.

The walk will coincide with Rovers visit to Yeovil on April 2nd and Exeter's trip to the Memorial Stadium on April 9th.

Ken will walk from south Bristol on his way to Huish Park. He will then go from Yeovil down to Exeter and hopes to make it to St James Park on April 4th.

After meeting with members of the Adam Stansfield Foundation and Exeter City, Ken will begin the final leg of the journey - back to the Memorial Stadium in time for kick off on April 9th.

The Adam Stanfield Football Foundation has been set-up to support and encourage participation in youth football across the South West region.

The Foundation has been formed in memory of Adam who died on August 10 last year at the age of just 31 from bowel cancer.

Ken, whose wife has recently recovered from a major bowel operation, has wanted to do something to raise money for the Foundation for some time.

When he realised that Rovers were playing two of Adam's former teams in consecutive weeks, he decided that a walk around the West Country would be the perfect challenge.

Ken, 66, who has completed a number of running events over the years, wanted to do something that would provide him with a challenge.

He has now well under way with his training, and is walking up to 18 miles a day.

He said: "I was touched by the tragic death of Adam, who was struck down at such a young age, and wanted to do something in his memory.

"We are playing Yeovil on Saturday at their place, and the following Saturday we are playing Exeter City at our place.

"Adam Stansfield played for both those clubs, he passed away aged only 31 last year, and he died of bowel disease, so I am walking to Yeovil, on to Exeter and then back to our place.

"It is about 180 miles in ten days, to raise money for his foundation. I really want to do this and I am committed to it.

"Please donate, I really don't care how small every little bit helps and will be gratefully received.

"Every penny will go to the Adam Stansfield Foundation which helps to support children through the medium of football."

Ken has been training hard for the event and expects to walk about 18 miles a day.

He said: "Before Christmas I did a lot of strengthening work in the gym and after Christmas I took to the road and have walked well over 400 miles in training, so I feel quite well prepared.

"The longest walk I have done is around 20 miles, and I expect to be doing 15-18 miles a day, so I am well prepared, but it is still going to sting a bit.

"The legs are going to be ok, and the feet will be fine as Phil Kite has looked after them, bandaged them all up ready and showed me how to take care of them.

"What is going to hurt is my neck, in training I have found that it is my shoulders and neck that hurt during the long walks."

Ken will be backed up by a good support team, and although Ken will be embarking on the challenge alone, he would be grateful for any company along the way.

He said: "I have got accommodation all the way round, and Berkeley Coaches of Paulton have provided a support bus for me, which they have had signed with the Rovers logo and that bus will support me over the next ten days.

"I will be stopping in at Yeovil and Exeter on the way, and I would love for people to join me for parts of the journey.

"The reason for the mini bus is that people can join me for a few miles and then ride along in the mini bus and do a few more if they want to.

"So the mini bus is there to provide me with food and drink and clothing, but it is also there to support anyone who wants to walk with me."

Andy Cole, Chairman of the Adam Stansfield Foundation said "We are all very moved by the number of people wanting to raise funds for Adams foundation; we would like to thank Ken for his support and wish him luck with this challenge."

A Virgin Money Giving page is currently being set up for those wishing to donate to the cause, but in the meantime, anyone who would like to offer donations or a bed for the night should contact Kirsty Pugh at the club on 0117 9542003 or email kirstypugh@bristolrovers.co.uk



Report and Pictures courtesy of Kirsty Pugh, Bristol Rovers Football Club

Local Rivalries Put Aside For Memorial Match

Just wanted to advertise this event and pass on our thanks to all involved. It's on Easter Sunday April 24th. Should be a great day with lots happening. Thanks so much for organising this, really means a lot to all of us.

Update on Virgin Money Giving

We have received an overwhelming level of support regarding raising funds
for Adams Foundation for which we all are extremely moved and grateful. We
are going through the necessary procedures for creating an online giving
page with Virgin Giving where fundraisers will be able to create their own
page, where their sponsors can donate directly and the Foundation can
claim gift aid. All the processes as a charity we are required to follow
do take time so please bear with us while these are followed.

In the meantime we do have our PayPal system for donating or of course you
can still send cheques. We also have a sponsorship form available if you
request one via the 'contact us' form on this site.

Thank you once again for your valued support.

Andy Cole
Chairman - Adam Stansfield Foundation

Sportsmans Dinner A Huge Success

The Foundation's first ever Sportsmans Dinner was a huge success. The following is a post taken from www.exeweb.com about the evening:
What a great night it was last night 150 people packed into Tiverton Town Football Club for a Sportsmans Dinner in aid of the Foundation. Jeff Stelling was the guest speaker and what a great speach he made, very natural and genuine. Mike Mullarcky was also there and even donated a match ball and programme for the auction. The evening raised nearly £8000....just shows people will dig deep for a great cause. A special mention to the Exeter City players who bid £1900 for the limited edition photo done by Cheggers....A round of appluase from all in the room last night as well as a standing ovation. For the city fans Taylor, harley, logan, sercombe, watson, duffy,cozic,tully were all there [aplogies if I missed anyone] Aswell as some ex players and many local clubs inc Elmore had tables there. Once again a fantastic Night,....well organised by the Foundation. A special mention must go to all of Adams family who were there helping to take our money off us. And all the auction items donated by various people.

It was a tremendous night enjoyed by all. A huge well done to Darren Pearce (Adam's brother in law) who had the original idea for this and organised it all. Also massive thanks to everyone involved and to those who donated items for the auction, and a special mention for Jeff Stelling who took time out of his busy life to talk on the evening. Thanks again guys, you keep blowing us away.

77 Hours 28 Minutes. Awesome!!!!!

Adam Wright and the team who set out to drive to every one of the 92 Premier and League grounds to raise money for the Foundation arrived back at Edgar Street on Saturday morning at 9.30 am, nearly two and a half hours ahead of schedule. In the final few hours of their epic journey they called at Birmingham, Coventry, Oxford, Swindon, Cheltenham and finally Hereford United from where they started on Wednesday morning at 4am. The picture shows Adam being interviewed on the pitch at Edgar Street during the half time interval of Hereford's game with Barnet.

Picture and report courtesy of Bulls News http://bullsnews.blogspot.com/ An excellent site for all things Hereford United

We would like to congratulate Adam,Dave,Steve,Chris and Katie on their achievement. This was a truly awesome achievement and we cannot thank Adam and the guys enough for undertaking it. To see the blog of their journey go to http://aroundthegroundsin80hours.blogspot.com/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elmore honour club legend Adam Stansfield by renaming stand

Below is the report from The Express and Echo on Elmore F.C. renaming their stand in memory of Adam:

THE family of Adam Stansfield has unveiled a stand renamed in his honour at a Devon football club. Tiverton club Elmore decided to dedicate the structure to Stanno's memory to show that the popular forward will never be forgotten there. A crowd gathered to see the unveiling, which took place before Elmore's match on Saturday against Hengrove Athletic at Horsdon Park. Club secretary Neville Crocker said: "We usually get around 35 people to watch a game but I would say there was more than 100 on Saturday." Stanno spent several years at Elmore before being spotted by Yeovil Town, aged 21. He subsequently carved out a successful professional career, ending up at Exeter City, before his untimely death, aged 31, from bowel cancer last August. In his time at the Grecians he was lauded by fans for his phenomenal workrate and enthusiasm. The renaming ceremony was attended by Adam's widow, Marie, the couple's two sons and his parents. The stand now features a 4ft tribute including a full-length picture of a youthful Adam in his Elmore kit. It was unveiled by the family following speeches by club chairman Jed Hewitt and Elmore player Steve Rowland, who played in the side with Adam. Speaking about the decision to rename the stand, Mr Hewitt said: "A lot of local players knew him and he obviously went on to achieve his goal. In doing so he set the standard for other people of what can be achieved if they work hard. "Adam will never be forgotten here. It is something we have thought about doing for some time but we have been trying to find the right picture. The one we have picked was up on the wall at his wake." The picture of Adam is on the side of the stand so anyone walking towards it will be able to see it. The new signage has been provided by Tiverton company Ken White Signs. Ben White, the general manager of the company, had also played with Adam when he was at Elmore. Last night money was raised for the Adam Stansfield Foundation, a charity set up in the striker's memory, at an event at Tiverton Town Football Club. Unfortunately, Elmore were beaten 2-0 on Saturday.

Source:http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/news/Stanno-forgotten/article-3324978-detail/article.html

Well on their way Around The Ground's in 80 Hours

Adam, Grecian The Lion and the guys are well into their challenge of travelling to all 92 football league grounds in 80 hours. Here is an update from Grecian The Lion posted on Exeweb this morning:

Morning all!

We're about 3 hours behind schedule due to early morning traffic in London, and have just left Leyton Orient en route to Daggers. We went to West Ham before we got to Orient and got a few photos pitch side!

The main highlight of the London clubs has to be arriving at Palace at 5.30am with Deano, as promised, there to greet us and present us with a signed shirt to auction. What a guy.

I'll post another update later on today. Cheers as always for your support!

Keep up to date with how the guys are doing on their blog

http://aroundthegroundsin80hours.blogspot.com/2011_03_01_archive.html

If you can get out and support them at a ground near you please do. Thanks again to the guys for doing this. It really is a very special effort.

Signed Picture To Be Auctioned

I think Cheggers, Official Foundation Photographer says it all here:

Please let me explain the above.
In the very near future a fund raising evening, for the Adam Stansfield Foundation is taking place. One of the auction items is the above signed framed photo.
In my time at Exeter City, I have taken thousands upon thousands of images of the team both home and away.
I can state that during this time, I have taken more photos of Adam than any other player.
Why is this? Not sure but one reason is that he covered the whole pitch when he played and hence, wherever I placed myself, he would be there. Anyway I digress.
This photo is one of my all time favourites of Adam and hence I decided to do something special to help raise some funds for a very good cause.
The photo is from the match against Southampton on 7th February 2010. .
The frame measures approx. 58cm x 48cm ( 23” x 19” in old money ) and the print itself is 39cm x 26cm (15” x 10”) . .

It has been signed by his Team Mates, Coaching Staff and some of his close colleagues that worked with him during his time at Exeter.
What makes this print so special though is that it is a limited edition. In fact it is the only one that will be available to the general public (a one off ).

What I wanted to do is to give all the Exeter City fans a chance to put in a bid. So if you would seriously like to send me your starting bid and the maximum you are willing to pay. Via a private message on Exeweb / Facebook or send me in an email at pics@cheggerspics.co.uk. I will put forward your bids at the auction on the evening.
Thanks for taking the time to read and hope you enjoy looking at the picture as much as I do.

Cheggers

Flybe add The Adam Stansfield to their fleet of aircraft.

Below is Tom Bevan's report from the Express and Echo about Flybe naming one of their aircraft after Adam:

Family delighted with Flybe plane tribute to Adam Stansfield
By Tom Bevan

EXETER City's number nine Adam Stansfield was terrified of flying.

On long away days he would battle to overcome his fears but would have rather caught the team bus, his family said. And they say the 31-year-old, who lost his battle to bowel cancer last year, would have had a "cheeky grin" on his face after he become a permanent fixture in the sky. Yesterday, during a joyous and emotional ceremony at Exeter International Airport, he became only the fourth person to have a plane named after them in Flybe's "footballing fleet." He is joining illustrious company, with George Best in Belfast, Matt Le Tissier in Southampton and Kevin Keegan in Newcastle, previously having been recognised in this way. His widow Marie, in the company of their three children Jay, Taylor and Cody, unveiled the Q400 aircraft that featured a striking image of the Grecians' legend in action alongside his name. Shortly afterwards, the Adam Stansfield embarked on its maiden flight to Belfast with Adam's brother Wayne among its passengers. Wayne said: "Adam would have had a bit of a giggle about this as he really was quite scared of flying. Many times he would have liked to have gone on the team bus with the kit. But he overcame that like he overcame so much else in his life. He will be looking down with a sly grin on his face. "We flew in from Belfast with my wife and five children this morning and to return on the first flight of this aircraft will be a real honour and something very special. "The love we have felt from everyone has been unbelievable and this is just another example of that." The sentiments were echoed by Adam's mother Glynis who said: "It is so amazing and I really don't know what Adam would have made of it. Every time I think about it I have a silly grin on my face. "It is a huge thing for the family. We go and visit Wayne and his family in Belfast quite a lot and, hopefully, at some stage, we will be able to fly on it. That would be amazing." Joining the large gathering of Adam's family for the unveiling were several players and members of staff from Exeter City including Steve Perryman, Marcus Stewart, Steve Tully, Matt Taylor and Richard Logan. Speaking on behalf of the club, chairman Julian Tagg said: "This is a very fitting tribute to Adam and his family. Most of the fans of all the teams he played for would not have come across a player who put so much effort in. It would be a privilege for the team to fly in it at some stage. I don't know what its schedule would be but it would be nice if that came to fruition." Simon Lilley, director of marketing for Flybe, said the plane would be based primarily in Exeter and would be flown across the UK and sometimes into France. He said: "We only name aircraft after genuine local sporting icons and he is joining a wonderful, legendary group of sportsmen. But Adam is a genuinely true local hero." Flybe will hold a week of collections on the aircraft in aid of the Adam Stansfield Foundation which has been set up to help youth football in Devon and Somerset.

Source: www.thisisexeter.co.uk

Bristol Rovers Director Walks For The Foundation

We are very pleased to advertise yet another very generous act by Bristol Rovers Director Ken Masters. Details of what Ken is aiming to achieve are shown in the official press release below. If you can help Ken with accomodation in any way or want to join him along the way please get in touch with Kirsty at the email address listed below. Huge thanks to Ken for attempting this and thanks in advance to anyone that can help him out along the way.


Rovers director Ken Masters will be taking part in a gruelling West Country walk to raise money for charity.

At the end of March Ken will be walking between Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town and Exeter City in memory of Adam Stansfield.

The Adam Stanfield Football Foundation has been set-up to support and encourage participation in youth football across the South West region.

The Foundation has been formed in memory of Adam who died on August 10 last year at the age of just 31 from bowel cancer.

The walk will coincide with Rovers visit to Yeovil on April 2nd and Exeter’s trip to the Memorial Stadium on April 9th.

Ken, whose wife has recently recovered from a major bowel operation, has wanted to do something to raise money for the Foundation for some time.

When he realised that Rovers were playing two of Adam’s former teams in consecutive weeks, he decided that a walk around the West Country would be the perfect challenge.

Ken, 66, who has completed a number of running events over the years, wanted to do something that would provide him with a challenge.

He said: “This will be a big challenge, but it is for a very good cause.

“I was touched by the tragic death of Adam, who was struck down at such a young age, and wanted to do something in his memory.

“I am also heavily involved with the youth and community departments at Bristol Rovers, so I was also keen to do something that would benefit youth football in the South West.

“The fact that we were playing two of Adam’s former teams in consecutive weeks seemed like too good an opportunity to turn down.

“I have already begun my training and been on a number of 10K walks to get myself warmed up. I am expecting to walk between 15 and 20 miles a day when I get going on the journey.”

Ken will be setting off from Bristol on March the 30th and heading for Huish Park. He will then go from Yeovil down to Exeter and hopes to make it to St James Park on April 4th.

After meeting with members of the Adam Stansfield Foundation and Exeter City, Ken will begin the final leg of the journey – back to the Memorial Stadium in time for kick off on April 9th.

Berkley Coaches have kindly donated a mini bus to follow Ken on his journey, but he is now looking for supporters of all three clubs who can put him up on his walk around the West Country.

Because of time restraints, Ken will actually be walking past Yeovil and going back for the game, to give him more time to complete the next step of the journey in time.

He is currently looking for accommodation in and around; Chard on the Friday night(April 1st), Honiton on the Saturday, Exeter on the Sunday, Cullompton on the Monday, Taunton on the Tuesday, Highbridge on the Thursday and Weston-super-Mare on the Friday.

Ken said: “I would like to thank Berkley Coaches for donating the transport, because without them, this journey would not be possible.

“I would also like to appeal to any fans living along my proposed route that could offer me a bed for the night. I don’t fancy having to sleep by the side of the road.”

And although Ken will be embarking on the challenge alone, he would be grateful for any company along the way.

He said: “I don’t expect anyone to come on this journey with me, but if anyone out there wanted to do one leg of the trip, or even just a few miles, then I would be very pleased to have some company.”

Ken is hoping to link up with a couple of branches of the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club and hold fundraising evenings along the way. More details of this will be announced nearer the time.

Andy Cole, Chairman of the Adam Stansfield Foundation said “We are all very moved by the number of people wanting to raise funds for Adams foundation; we would like to thank Ken for his support and wish him luck with this challenge”.

A Just Giving page will be set up shortly for those wishing to donate to the cause, but in the meantime, anyone who would like to offer donations or a bed for the night should contact Kirsty Pugh at the club on 0117 9542003 or email kirstypugh@bristolrovers.co.uk

Around The Grounds for Stanno

Really excited and proud to advertise this monumental effort that Adam Wright, a Hereford United fan is undertaking to raise money for the Foundation. Adam is currently a driver down for this task. If you feel you would like to be a part of this or would be able to help out in any way please get in touch at enquiries@adamstansfieldfoundation.com Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks again to Adam and the guys for attempting this mammoth task. Below is Adam's take on what the team are doing

Around the grounds in 80 hours

Like so many others, we were deeply sadden to learn of the passing of Adam Stansfield last august. A hero and work horse on the pitch, and a gentleman off it, although never having known him, we felt like we had lost a brother. As a Hereford United fan, it is easy to imagine the league football we have enjoyed these past 4 seasons would not have been possible without Adams contribution. 25 goals in 2 seasons, and the most sublime of crosses for the equaliser during the playoff final, as well as yet another tireless shift, propelled the club back into the football league. I kept a loose eye on his time at Exeter also, and was impressed, (though not surprised) by the love he quickly earned from the St James faithful. His death made us think. He gave us so much, what could we give back.

We quickly learned of the Adam Stansfield Foundations formation, and it inspired us. Myself and my Bristol City supporting Step-father Steve concocted a plan. Steve had been reading the literary classic "around the world in 80 days", and from there, we developed the concept of "around the grounds in 80 hours". Like Ronseal - we wanted to do exactly that. Visit all 92 Barclays Premier and N-Power football league clubs in an 80 hour period. Had it been done before? Who knows. Google showed us a group that had done it in 5 days, and even a group that did it in 92 hours. We may even be unique in what we are attempting, but we cant prove it.

Our mission plan was simple. Visit each ground, pull up, take a photograph and then depart. We thought we would let every club know what we were doing, as a courteous way of asking for permission. As a fan of the Bulls, i decided to let Hereford United know first. I was most pleasantly surprised when one evening i returned home to find an email from HUFC vice chairman Tim Russon, offering us full support and signed merchandise to raffle for the cause. This got us thinking about just what we could actually achieve, and a further 91 emails were sent out. Many clubs have responded, offering us shirts, balls tickets and many other things, and we will hold several auctions after we have collected everything.

In homage to the original Jules Verne Novel, and to keep a theme, we are going to both start and finish at Edgar Street, Hereford. We are departing at 4.00 am from Hereford on Wednesday march the 9Th, and heading immediately to Swansea. We are hitting the 2 welsh clubs, following which we are diving into Bristol, and heading south to Exeter. We will hit the southern clubs from here, and travel along the cost, before circling around and entering London. From there we are into Essex and Norfolk, before coming into the East Midlands. Then we head north into Yorkshire, before hitting the North East, Carlisle, and then dropping down into Lancashire and Mersyside. We will then enter the West Midlands before circling down to Oxford, Swindon Cheltenham before finally arriving in Hereford, where we intend to attend the HUFC v Barnet home league match. We aim to be in Hereford by 10am Saturday march 12Th. If anyone would like to meet us on route at their clubs ground, we are happy to arrange this with you.

We currently only have a 3 man team, 2 of which are driving. Therefore, we have a space for a spare driver should anyone be interested. Requirements are that you have a full license, and can insure yourself to drive, as well as contribute to fuel and food costs. For more information please email aroundthegroundsin80hours@hotmail.co.uk

Should anyone wish to sponsor us (and please do) then email a pledged amount to aroundthegroundsin80hours@hotmail.co.uk FAO Adam. We will then send out details of how you can get the money to us and the foundation. A small contribution will also be made to Peterborough charity the free kicks foundation for their wonderful help and support in this venture.

Adam Wright

Website Launched

Very proud that as of 1pm today the Official Foundation website was launched. Cannot thank Chris McClenaghan enough for all his efforts on this. There have been plenty of late nights and we have been truly blessed to have such a talented individual working on this. The website will continue to grow as the foundation grows over time and we feel sure that it will be an invaluable tool to keep you up to date with any Foundation news. We hope you like it and here is the official press release that has gone out today:

Adam Stansfield Foundation – Website Kicks-Off

After several months careful planning and preparation the Trustees who include several members of Adams family of the ‘Adam Stansfield Foundation’ are pleased to announce that the eagerly awaited website will go live from 1pm on Friday 4th February 2011. Andy Cole chairman of the Foundation said “We are all very proud and excited by the development of this site and we would also like to thank Chris McClenaghan who has worked so hard with Adams brother Wayne on producing such a professional and high quality website. Along with our Facebook page we will now be able to communicate much easier with our supporters and Adams fans plus we can also get the very important message out to people about bowel cancer”. Patron of the foundation and Premiership Referee Mark Halsey added “This is another step forward for the Foundation; cancer awareness is being promoted through the Foundation whilst offering support to young people playing football”.

The unprecedented support following Adam’s death in August 2010, led to the creation of the Adam Stansfield Foundation. Chosen specifically to recognise aspects of Adam’s life, football and to raise awareness on bowel cancer related issues the aims of the foundation are to help give young people the unique opportunity to develop life skills through the power of football and to assist them in their goals of living the dream. Adams brother Wayne Stansfield who had the initial idea of the Foundation said “Working with Chris and the Trustees has given me a great deal of purpose, being able to focus on this website and the content has allowed me the chance to try and make sense of what happened. The journey to today has had its testing times; I found writing the biography and testimonials very hard. With the launch of this site we can really start to drive things forward and making the foundation work to support youth football and if through promoting bowel cancer awareness we are able to help save one life then we will have achieved something very special”.

The website can be found at http://www.adamstansfieldfoundation.com where visitors to the site will be able to access information on Adams life and career, upcoming fundraising events, media and very soon, the ability to donate online.

Elmore FC Rename Stand in Memory of Adam

The Express And Echo have today reported the following news:

A STAND will be renamed in honour of Adam Stansfield to show the popular forward will never be forgotten at the club where he made his name.

Exeter City’s number nine has always been held up by his former club Elmore as an inspiration that childhood dreams can be realised.

He spent several years at the Tiverton club before being spotted by Yeovil Town, aged 21, and subsequently carving out a successful professional career before his untimely death from bowel cancer last August.

Now future generations of players running out for Elmore hoping to emulate his success will have a permanent reminder of what can be achieved.

The side of the stand will feature the four-foot-high tribute that includes a full-length picture of a youthful Adam in his Elmore kit several years before he went on to become a hero to thousands of Exeter City fans.

His family, many of whom live in Tiverton, are said to be thrilled at the gesture and an official opening of the stand is expected to be held shortly. Elmore chairman Jed Hewitt said: “We have done this to show respect to Adam and his family, not just for what he did as a player but all the other things he got involved in.

“He was a fantastic player for us. But off the pitch whenever we called on him to do something he was always accommodating. Even after he left and went onto greater things he would come back and help as much as he could and he never forgot his roots.

“A lot of local players knew him and he obviously went on to achieve his goal. In doing so he set the standard for other people of what can be achieved if they work hard.

Mr Hewitt said the idea was agreed by the club’s committee some time ago and Adam’s family were fully behind it.

He said: “I spoke to his sister Andrea and she was over the moon. Not just because we have named the stand after Adam but it was important for them to know that people are still thinking about him at the club. Adam will never be forgotten here.

“It is something we have thought about doing for some time but we have been trying to find the right picture. The one we have picked was up on the wall at his wake.

“It will be put up on the side of the stand so anyone walking towards it will be able to see it.”

Signage is being provided by Tiverton company Ken White Signs and will be given to the club in the next few days. Ben White, general manager of the company, played with Adam when he was at Elmore.

He said: “The main thing I remember about playing with Adam was he was always far too good for the level. He is still the player they all talk about at Elmore. For what he represents for the club and what he went on to achieve, it is a fitting tribute.

“We were approached about two weeks ago to ask if we could do the panel and straight away said we were happy to help and would not charge for it. We felt strongly that it was something we wanted to do.”

Source: http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/news/Permanent-reminder-football-legend-stand-named-Stansfield/article-3163329-detail/article.html

Oliver Holt article in the Daily Mirror

Adam made Oliver Holt's (Daily Mirror Chief Sports Writer) list of 10 most interesting people he met in 2010. He never actualy met Adam but here are the very kind words he wrote:


7) Adam Stansfield

I never actually met Adam Stansfield but I feel like I did. Stansfield was an Exeter City player who died of cancer in September this year. I never saw him play but he was loved by Exeter fans and by fans of all his former clubs because he played with total commitment to the cause.

A few weeks before his death, he turned up for pre-season training with the rest of his team-mates and even though they could tell that he was suffering, he still pushed himself all the way through the session. I saw pictures of the tributes to Stansfield in the papers and took my daughter down to St James's Park to look at them. The Big Bank terrace at the ground was a mass of floral tributes and messages to Stansfield. They were full of stories about how Stansfield had taken time out to perform various kindnesses.

Many fathers wrote that his playing style and his honesty on the pitch made them feel that he was an inspirational figure for their sons. Like I said, I never met Stansfield but I wish I had.

Here is the link to the full article:

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/mirror-football-blog/Oliver-Holt-s-10-most-interesting-people-of-the-year-Wally-Downes-Craig-Bellamy-Robbie-Fowler-Andy-Anson-Ian-Holloway-Paul-Stretford-Alan-Shearer-and-more-article660815.html