Former Sunderland and Swansea Premier League star Danny Graham donates £2,500 to help save Hartlepool United from administration
Monkey Hangers need to raise £200,000 by January 25 or risk entering administration and the prospect of going out of business
FORMER Premier League star Danny Graham has donated £2,500 to help try and save struggling Hartlepool United.
The North East side are in a precarious position and need to raise £200,000 by January 25 or risk entering administration.
A crowd-funding page was created to help get the much-needed funds needed for the Monkey Hangers by supporter Rachel Cartwright.
That has raised over £40,000 in just three days - but it has now emerged a chunk of that figure came from Graham's wallet.
The ex-Swansea, Middlesbrough and Sunderland frontman, who is now leading the line for League One Blackburn Rovers, also posted a message of support for the Conference National outfit.
He wrote: “Good luck Hartlepool United hope you reach your target ... I’m sure you will hopefully the whole of the north east get behind u (sic) and all the football fans out there.”
Gateshead-born Graham still lives close to Hartlepool despite plying his trade in Lancashire.
And he decided to try and help out after his brother spotted the troubles of the Victoria Park side.
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Speaking to the Chronicle, the 32-year-old explained: “I live in Wynyard now, so it’s actually only up the road from Hartlepool.
“I’m from Gateshead so I know what North East football means to everyone in the region, I just thought it would be a nice gesture to try and help out. Hopefully it gets a few more involved.
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“They’re a well-supported team and it would be such a shame for any fans to lose their club.
“Football is a big part of people’s lives, particularly in the North East, and I know what that’s like from growing up there, so it was just a gesture to try and give a little extra help.
“Hopefully somewhere down the road they will properly sort it out.
“Slipping out of the Football League will have hurt them massively but hopefully they can get it turned around.”
This is not the first time that big-hearted Graham has dipped into his own pockets to try and help out support football in the North East.
During his time at Sunderland he donated £2,690 towards a cause to help Gateshead player JJ O'Donnell receive career-saving surgery.
Graham is also patron for the Heel and Toe charity in the region which helps children of all ages who suffer from cerebal palsy, dyspraxia and other disabilities.
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Sky Sports presenter and famed-fan Jeff Stelling is also hopeful that the club's fortunes can be transformed.
He is confident the £200,000 target will be met to fend off the administrators and has also revealed he has already spoken to a keen investor through his position as club president.
People wishing to back the Hartlepool crowd-funding effort can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/savehartlepoolunitedfootballclub.