Dozens of prizes to be won in fundraising raffle launched by Banbury United Football Club in memory of longtime loyal fan - Barry Pocock

The club has organised an amazing package of prizes, including several one-off life experiences all to benefit Barry's family.

A BUFC spokesperson posted the following message as part of its fundraiser, which said: "Banbury United FC were deeply saddened in late January when we heard the news that one of our young loyal supporters Barry Pocock had passed away suddenly from Covid 19.

"Barry who was 37 years, lost his life after a four week battle. He was an incredibly loyal Banbury United fan, who was known by many at the club, and a popular figure in the 'Town End' stand at most home games. Barry would also frequently travel away to support 'The Puritans' no matter where we played, and has also been a volunteer on match days for the club helping out in all areas.

"Barry sadly left behind his wife Claire, and two young daughters, Charlotte and Sophie. He was a devoted husband and a wonderful father. They had so much to look forward to as a family together, and have been left devastated by his sudden loss."

In Memory of Barry and in support of his young family, the club have organised a fundraiser. Anyone who donates, minimum £5 will be entered into a drawing for a selection of prizes, which they have set up with Crowdfunder website.

The club has raised more than £1,500 so far and hopes to smash its £2,000 target by the end of the fundraiser on Sunday February 28.

Anyone who would like to make a contribution to the prize raffle for Barry's family can use the following web link: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/raffle-for-barry-pocock-by-banbury-united-fcA club spokesperson also added: "We know that many supporters will have already donated on a 'JustGiving' page in memory of Barry. We hope that this fundraiser might encourage supporters to dig a little deeper."

The Banbury United FC wants to raise as much money as possible to help the family.

The club spokesperson said: "If donating and wanting to enter the draw, please make sure to put your name with the donation, as we will be notifying all winners after the closing date through our social media channels."

The club announced over the weekend one of the prizes in raffle includes a 'once in a lifetime' experience for the avid horse racing fan. One of the top horse racing trainers in the UK, George Margarson Racing, along with Sky Sports Racing presenter, Tim Carroll, have put together a day and the life experience outing. One lucky person, including one guest will get to spend a morning at the George Margarson stables in Newmarket, when Covid restrictions permit. There will also be an opportunity to ask any questions and chat over a light breakfast together.

Popular Sky Sports Racing presenter Tim Carroll will join the lucky winner for the morning at the stables visit to give his expert eye on all things racing.

Some of the prizes include an official Banbury United FA Cup shirt Vs Canvey Island as worn by the players, along with a 'meet and greet' game experience with team manager Andy Whing, plus a 'one off' opportunity for two under 18’s to spend an evening helping out at an official Banbury United 1st team training session, meet the players and assist the coaches.

Jack Harding has also kindly donated his goalkeeper gloves that he wore throughout the FA Cup games including the win on penalties against Peterborough Sports, which he has signed.

Some of the other prizes have been donated by local area businesses such as Banbury Plant & Skip Hire, Walraven, Michael Jones Jeweller, Concept Events, Terrace Store, Bourton Drain Services, LJ Construction, Gail & Dave Gilkes from the Banbury Cross Pub, Andy & Yvonne of Lennys Cafe Bar, Marc Wheeler from Tadmarton Heath Golf Club and Mark Allitt from Revival Mk2.

Items for the prize drawing include:

- Official Banbury United FA Cup shirt Vs Canvey Island as worn by our players.

- Limited edition Mitre Delta Ball ball from the Banbury United FC vs Canvey Island game, signed by manager Andy Whing.

- One Season ticket for the upcoming 2021/2022 Banbury United FC season.

- VIP game experience for two people consisting of two match day tickets to a home game of choice pregame 'meet and greet' walk on the pitch with Banbury United Manager Andy Whing with VIP access to sponsors lounge, drink and food voucher to use at the club worth £50

- Once in a lifetime experience for two Under 18’s invited to a Banbury United FC training session, meet the players , help coaches with collecting balls or putting cones out, and have photo with players of choice, plus food and drink provided.

- Two tickets to an away game of choice vs Banbury United FC for the upcoming season, including exclusive travel with the Banbury United FC 1st team on the official coach.

- Pair of goalkeeper gloves, autographed & worn by Jack Harding in Banbury United’s 2020 FA Cup run.

- One off opportunity for two people to spend the morning at George Margarson Racing Stables in Newmarket with Sky Sports Racing presenter Tim Carroll. Including 12 months membership into 'The Bean Club'

- An impressive 9ct yellow and white gold diamond shaped links bracelet kindly donated by Michael Jones Jeweller worth £230

- Two VIP tickets to an evening of choice, kindly donated by Concept Events, with either Carl Fogerty, Frank Bruno or Ray Parlour ( dates tbc ) worth over £100

- £40 online shop voucher kindly donated by Terrace Store

- £50 Shop voucher from kindly donated by Revival Mk2 in Parson’s St, Banbury

- Two golf lessons kindly donated by and with PGA Teaching Pro Marc Wheeler at Tadmarton Heath Golf Club, near Banbury worth £90

- Hire of two Yard Skip kindly donated by Banbury Plant Hire (terms and conditions apply)

- £100 Amazon voucher kindly donated by Walraven UK

- £40 drinks and food voucher at Lennys Cafe Bar in Parson’s St, Banbury.

- £30 drinks voucher at The Banbury Cross Pub in Butchers Row, Banbury

- Four ball golf voucher valid at over 50 UK golf courses

- Two bottles of Taittinger champagne in box donated by LJ Construction

- £75 cash prize kindly donated by Karl Thompson of Bourton Drain Services