A Leyland-based sports shop is raising money for children’s charity Derian House by selling Premier League-style Player of the Match trophies to kid’s sports teams and donating all the profits.
Family-run John Harrison Sports, on Golden Hill Lane, has already sold 500 of the classic Premier League blue or yellow trophies to football clubs from across the North West.
“Everyone is going crazy for the ‘JHS Player of the Match trophies’ for Derian House,” said Lloyd Harrison, 31, grandson of John Harrison who first opened John Harrison Sports Ltd in 1970.
“As a family business, we are lucky to have generations of customers who continue to get behind us. They are especially supportive of what we are doing for Derian House – the hospice is the chosen charity for many of the clubs we work with, and I think it’s great that these clubs and teams are raising money for a local charity that cares for children.
“Now the trophies have become so popular, we are receiving enquiries and sending trophies to new customers from different parts of the country. It isn’t just football clubs buying these either – you can use them for any kind of sport. We have even had orders from people who are not involved in sport or a club but who just want to support Derian House.”
Lloyd has three children – Oliver, 10, Elliot, six, and Evie, two.
His youngest son Elliot has recently been awarded with one of the trophies himself at his own football club – Penwortham St Teresa’s JFC.
“My youngest son, Elliot, loved the trophy so much he took it to bed with him,” continued Lloyd.
“I had to buy him his own to keep because he didn’t want to give it back. Other parents have started doing the same!
“People don’t realise how much of a difference they’re making by sharing the trophies on social media. The more people that share it, the better. I just want to thank everyone who has already got behind this – an idea is only as good as the people that support it.
“I think having children myself makes me feel more strongly about supporting a local children’s charity. I hope we can raise as much money as possible for Derian House during 2024.”
Ann-Marie Fishwick, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “We love the look of the Player of the Match trophies and we are incredibly grateful to the Harrison family for everything they are doing to raise money for our children and families.
“Services at Derian House are free to families, but it will cost £6million to run the hospice this year. We rely on our kind-hearted supporters – just like Lloyd and his family – to raise 70p in every £1.”
Derian House, based in Chorley, Lancashire, cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find out more: www.derianhouse.co.uk
