BRADFORD City fans have been urged to help reunite a club legend with prized possessions from his career as part of a new fundraising drive for his charity.

Stephen Darby's Monumental Moments & The Shirts campaign has been launched to return some of the memorabilia from the former Bantams skipper’s time as a player.

The campaign, launched by Swindon Town podcast, The Sir Tom Broadbent Lounge, will also raise funds for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, partly set up by Darby.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: From left, Filipe Morais celebrates with Stephen Darby during his spell at the Bantams From left, Filipe Morais celebrates with Stephen Darby during his spell at the Bantams (Image: PA)

Darby retired from playing after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in September 2018.

The right-back played 194 times in the claret and amber in five years between 2012 and 2017, scoring one goal. Memorable matches he played in during his spell with City included the 2013 League Cup final and run to the showpiece and the 4-2 FA Cup win at Chelsea in 2015.

 

A private seller reluctantly put up Darby’s framed match-worn, signed shirt from Swindon Town’s play-off semi-final victory over Charlton Athletic in 2010, for sale. He played on loan for Swindon in 201.

The Sir Tom Broadbent Lounge vowed to buy the shirt and return it to Darby. Other former teams that Darby played for, including Swindon, City, Bolton Wanderers and Rochdale, have also backed the campaign.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: From left, Stephen Darby and Chris Rimmer on the pitch at Valley Parade before the friendly between Bradford City and Liverpool in July 2019From left, Stephen Darby and Chris Rimmer on the pitch at Valley Parade before the friendly between Bradford City and Liverpool in July 2019 (Image: Richard Leach)

An online crowdfunding page on GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for Darby’s charity. The page has raised more than £1,300 towards its initial £2,000 target.

Writing on the GoFundMe page, the organiser wrote: “On behalf of all Swindon Town fans, we have secured the shirt from the owner who has now donated it to our fundraiser free of charge.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Stephen Darby, left, in action for the Bantams against Oldham Athletic in 2015Stephen Darby, left, in action for the Bantams against Oldham Athletic in 2015 (Image: Newsquest)

“We arranged for it to be immediately returned to Stephen Darby and his family who have confirmed it is back in Darbs’ possession.

“Stephen continues his battle against this cruel, presently incurable disease with his characteristic bravery and humility.”

Darby has paid a number of visits to Valley Parade since his retirement from playing.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Kevin Sinfield, centre, receives a hug as he reaches Valley Parade as former Bradford City player Stephen Darby, right, looks on in November last yearKevin Sinfield, centre, receives a hug as he reaches Valley Parade as former Bradford City player Stephen Darby, right, looks on in November last year (Image: PA)

These have included meeting and hugging rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield as he reached the home of the Bantams as part of his ultra-marathon challenge in November last year in aid of MND charities.

Darby also returned to Valley Parade in July 2019 for a friendly between the Bantams and Liverpool in aid of his Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.

To donate a piece of memorabilia to the appeal, contact @T_STBL on Twitter, or email hello@bradfordcityafc.com Go to gofundme.com/f/stephen-darbys-monumental-moments-the-shirts to make a donation.

 

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