Fans dig deep

Charlton supporters helped raise over £7,500 for the Help for Heroes charity and Army Benevolent Fund at the club's match against Leyton Orient at the end of last month.

The live-on-Sky fixture was dedicated to those risking their lives for their country, and saw troops, wounded servicemen and veterans invited to The Valley to watch the game.

Troops conducted a collection around the ground before kick-off and at half-time and, including the sum raised from the auction of an executive box, the total raised was £7,582.97.

Addicks chief executive Steve Waggott said: "It's a great sum of money and I'd like to thank all those who generously contributed. I know everyone who attended the game who was involved in the military in some way really appreciated the reception they received as well, and it was a memorable night for the club, even though the result didn't go our way on the pitch."

The players from Charlton and Orient entered the pitch through a guard of honour, and among the special guests at the game were Chelsea pensioners, troops and carers from the Headley Court rehabilitation centre and other service personnel.

A video about the Army Benevolent Fund was due to be shown on the big screen at half-time, but unfortunately the DVD didn't work.

The Addicks worked closely with Woolwich Barracks for some months as part of efforts to celebrate Charlton's links with the area's troops.

And the bond will continue over the coming months, with plans under way for Charlton Community Trust coaches to run football courses for children of army personnel.

The money raised will be presented to Lt Col Mark Gammon and Maj Gerry Porter on the Valley pitch at half-time of the next home game against Yeovil Town.