Everton fans raise over £7,000 to help Carlisle United flood effort

Everton fans are supporting a campaign to help this weekend's FA Cup opponents Carlisle United continue their vital community outreach work in the wake of the devastating floods which hit the region last month.

The Goodison Park side and Sunderland are reportedly the only Premier League clubs to have responded to Carlisle chairman Andrew Jenkins' request for top-flight teams to support the cause.

The Blues' Fans' Forum are spearheading the effort to raise money for Carlisle United's Community Sports Trust to help the club continue to assist the 2,000 homes and businesses affected by Storm Desmond. The club's Brunton Park ground was also left under feet of water after rivers burst their banks following the huge rainfall.

A total of £7,138 has been raised by the Everton's Fans' Forum, including a £5,000 donation to the Just Giving Fund from Everton Football Club.

Carlisle United will divide the money raised equally with its official charity partners - Carlisle Key, which works closely with disadvantaged and homeless young people, and Hospice at Home, which helps families dealing with serious illnesses and conditions.

Nick Mernock, chair of Everton's Fans' Forum, said: "Like Everton, Carlisle United are a beacon of their community and we believe our upcoming game presents an opportunity for us, the fans, to play our part.

"In consultation with Carlisle United, we have decided to do something to help and they have confirmed that funds raised will go to their Community Sports Trust, itself a registered charity, to help the club pick up its vital community outreach programme in the wake of the devastating floods, along with two of the club's official charities.

"We are reaching out to Evertonians and football fans everywhere to make whatever donation you can - the price of an extra pint or cup of coffee will contribute to make a difference and to help Carlisle United and the local community with their recovery efforts."

Carlisle's media officer, Andy Hall, said: "This gesture from Everton fans is another example of how the football family comes together in times of adversity. The response from the football community to the situation we have found ourselves in has been overwhelming and it is clear to us now that we are not alone. 

"I would like to thank Evertonians, on behalf of the community of Carlisle, for doing this for us and for two fantastic charities. It means a lot and we feel humbled by what has been done at a time when we most need help."

To contribute to the fund, simply visit: https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/everton-fansforum.