'It is truly incredible' - Doncaster Knights' Crowdfunder campaign raises £50,000

Knights launched a Crowdfunder project in May to help bridge the shortfall created by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Championship club set an initial target of £20,000 but donations from almost 300 supporters have now surpassed £50,000.

Monies raised will go towards maintenance costs at Castle Park, which has been closed for the last four months.

“I started playing for the club 58 years ago in 1962 and in all that time I have never experienced anything like the problems that we face at the moment as a result of Covid-19,” Knights’ executive chairman De Mulder told the club’s official website.

“When Michael Casey [Knights’ commercial manager] suggested organizing a Crowdfunder campaign I thought it was a very good idea but for it to have raised over £50,000 is truly incredible.

“Friends of DRFC have shown a huge depth of feeling and support for the club which has shown to me how much people care which I have found most humbling and gratifying.

“We are now in a good position for the commencement of the playing season and the support shown has made a terrific difference.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to you all and I look forward to seeing everybody back at Castle Park as soon as it is safe.”

Knights say they received donations from life members, supporter groups, casual visitors and commercial partners. One donation even came from a Bristol fan.

They have also received further donations made directly to the club – meaning the true total raised is in excess of £55,000.

President Steve Lloyd said: "I’m a non-techy and I didn’t really understand the concept of crowdfunding until recent months when it came to the fore in conversations internally and we thought ‘let’s give it a go’.

“I’ve been absolutely humbled and amazed by it.

"I totally applaud and appreciate the monies that have come in from people.

"Some of these people are names I sadly don’t know but I’d like to say hello to them and rest assured we will not forget them.

"It is really humbling to see people dip into their own, no doubt reduced, circumstances to see the club going forward.

"There are bills that needed to be paid, not least a full renovation of the main hybrid pitch. These are costly items that you’d generally hope to meet out of revenue as well keeping everything else going and they’ve been met by the crowdfunding.

"Everyone should be proud of themselves for doing their bit.”

The name of every supporter who made a donation will be etched into Knights’ 2020/21 home jersey as a thank you.

Knights will also be donating 500 tickets to Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS staff – one for every £100 raised.

Donations can still be made at crowdfunder.co.uk/doncaster-knights.