Your chance to bid for signed Cardiff City Shirt and Help Sam Lloyd

Cardiff City took some valuable time out from their gruelling training regime ahead of their FA Cup Final match against Portsmouth this Saturday to help raise funds for an injured South Wales Firefighter.

The Bluebirds have donated a special team shirt, signed by all the city players, to the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, who will auction it and put the money raised towards a fund for Sam Lloyd, a 30 year old Firefighter, formerly based at Caldicot Fire Station, who sustained severe neck injuries whilst holidaying in Spain last summer, and who has since been confined to a wheelchair.

City midfielder Gavin Rae, called into Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters to meet Sam, and to present Fire and Rescue Service staff with the coveted shirt.

Sam left Cardiff’s Rookwood hospital in March, and is now staying at his parent’s home in Swansea, before moving into his own specially adapted accommodation where he will continue with his rehabilitation. Sam’s friends and colleagues have worked tirelessly to raise thousands of pounds for him, to provide him with the necessary equipment and support he needs to adapt to his disabilities, and to continue his rehabilitation programme.

Gavin Rae said, “It’s good to see the Fire Service getting behind Sam and his appeal. I guess being in the Fire Service is like being in a team when you all look out for each other, which I totally understand. I was only too happy to come along to meet Sam and help with the fundraising, it’s a great cause.”

Anyone wishing to bid for the signed Cardiff City shirt should e-mail samlloydfund@southwales-fire.gov.uk. The starting bid is £45.00, bidding begins at 17.00 hrs on Friday 16th May and closes at 1700 hrs on Friday 23rd May.