The Trust have to raise £350,000 by 2007 to secure their planned 25.1% shareholding in the football club's parent company, CUFC Holdings. Up to now they have raised £25,000 towards the target and Mileson's offer means they are now £300,000 short of achieving their goal. The Trust are asking individuals, businesses, pubs, clubs, and schools to donate £350 each to qualify for a plaque on a special 'Wall of 1000' which will shortly be erected near the Paddock entrance to Brunton Park. Already some 200 individuals have qualified to get their names on the wall, and Mileson's generous offer means the target for individual fans and organisations has effectively been halved overnight. Mileson said: "Everyone knows of my feelings for Carlisle United and as a fan I feel that this opportunity should not be missed. The United Trust has done very good work to re-establish its aims and objectives recently and there are a number of excellent fundraising initiatives already in place. John Courtenay and now Fred Story have put a mechanism in place for the fans and members of the community to buy a share in United and I want people to see this for the opportunity it is and raise the money - we won't get another chance". "What I am saying is if you put your money in I'll match it whether you're an individual putting in a pound or a company making a large donation. The club will really benefit from the cash injection from any money put in for shares and this will do a huge amount of good in the short term - and will go a long way to helping Fred and Paul Simpson in their quest to get the team back on the road to where it belongs - in the football league". Kate Rowley, Chair of the United Trust, said: "This is a magnificent gesture by Brooks and we are delighted that he has shown his support for what we are trying to do in such a generous fashion. We want to support Fred Story, Paul Simpson and the directors and players of Carlisle United by making good on our side of the share deal as quickly as possible and this will be a massive help". The Trust will be hoping for a big fundraising night on November 14 when they host a special Centenary Sporting Dinner at the Shepherd's Inn. Special guests will be Italian World Cup legend Franco Baresi, and former England skipper Bryan Robson. Any money raised on the evening will be matched by Mr Mileson, who will be present to support the Trust. Tickets have almost sold out already after only going on sale this week. They are priced at £35 a head. For information, contact Kate Rowley on 07968 498941. For information on the £350 for United scheme and to download an application form, visit the United Trust's website on www.united-trust.org.uk or email info@united-trust.org.uk Picture from News & Star |
