Eccleshall’s larger than life assistant manager, Nathan Wilkes, recently decided that he was going lose some weight for the benefit of his health, meaning cutting down on his favourite foods and, also, the occasional pint or two. Supported by his mum, Julie, who is also part of the club, serving at the refreshment bar on match days, Nathan is aiming to raise funds for the club by seeking sponsorship for his weight loss programme. He is aiming to lose eight stone to drop from his weigh-in twenty-six stone one pound on 29. January, to reach his target weight of eighteen stone. After the first week weigh in on 3. February, Nathan had lost 10lbs and a further 4lbs on 11. February. The week 3 weigh-in on 17. February showed a further 5ibs loss - a really decent start.

Both Nathan and Julie wanted to raise money to benefit the club and all sponsorship raised will be put towards the construction and completing of the Jake Standbridge Memorial Stand which the club hopes to have in place for the start of next season. Funding raised to date for the project has already been used towards the necessary architects plans and planning permission from the local authority, the purchase of 50 new seats, with supporting funding for the timber for the frame of the stand. The club are actively seeking the remaining funding to purchase the metal sheeting and the necessary groundworks so that the construction work can commence.

Neither Nathan or Julie were at Pershall Park when Jake was a first team player but both were keen that the funding raised would be put towards the project.
Julie said: “I’m sure you will agree that this is a very worthy cause which is very close to Eccleshall Football Club’s heart. I personally never knew Jake but look forward to seeing the finished project as a tribute to him. Every pound counts. Thanks for supporting Nathan with this journey”.

Around £400 has been pledged to date. If you are reading this and would like to support and encourage Nathan to meet his target, please contact Julie on 07793 753502 or e-mail club@efc1971.co.uk with contact details and your pledge amount.

Every penny will support the memorial stand project at Pershall Park.