Robbie James Memorial Fund

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Memorial fund to raise money for a bust of ex-Swansea (and former QPR) Robbie James (RIP).

Swansea Evening News - ROBBIE TO HAVE PLACE AT LIBERTY
Organisers hope to unveil a bronze bust of Swansea City great Robbie James at the Liberty Stadium early next year after a fundraising appeal was launched.
The appeal is the brainchild of Robbie's son Luke, who is keen for his dad to be remembered.
And the plan is for the bronze to be ready in February 2008 - 10 years on from James's untimely death.
"As I've got older, I've started to think about my dad more," Luke said. "People tell me what a legend he was and how Swansea's fans used to chant his name. It would mean so much to me if there was a tribute to him at the Liberty Stadium."
Robbie James died playing for Llanelli in a Welsh League match against Porthcawl.
Born in Swansea in March 1957, he made more than 500 appearances for his hometown club, playing for them in all four divisions during the glory years of the late 1970s and early 1980s. He also played for Stoke, QPR, Leicester City, Bradford, Cardiff and Merthyr before becoming player-manager at Llanelli in 1997, and was capped 47 times by Wales.
Luke has been joined in his fundraising efforts by a team of volunteers who wanted to assist him with the memorial. The appeal is also being backed by the Supporters Trust and they will assist with the fundraising activities.
Trust chairman Phil Sumbler, said: "When we heard of Luke's appeal it seemed only natural that we should lend our support to such a worthy cause and ensure that one of Swansea's great sons is honoured with a fitting tribute at the stadium.
'' I believe Swans fans of all ages will back the memorial fund and give Luke the memorial his Dad deserves.''
You can donate directly to the appeal by sending a cheque (payable to "The Robbie James Memorial Fund") to The Robbie James Memorial Fund, c/o 16 Llwyn Arian, Margam, Port Talbot, SA13 2UP.
You can also drop cheques into the trailer situated in front of the Liberty Stadium on matchdays with an envelope marked accordingly.Alternatively if you wish to donate items for auction or arrange a fundraising event then please call 07917 411804 or email a href="mailto:phil@sumbler.freeserve" class="lblue" phil@sumbler.freeserve /a . co.uk Evening Post

See Robert James/Wikipedia


UPDATE 10/10: BBC
Memorial planned for soccer star

I do believe that Swans fans of all ages will back the memorial fund and give Luke the memorial that his dad deserves

Phil Sumbler, Swansea Supporters' Trust
An appeal has been launched to create a memorial at Swansea's Liberty Stadium to footballer Robbie James, who played for the club almost 600 times.
It is hoped a bronze bust of the player can be unveiled in February, on the 10th anniversary of his untimely death.

James, who played for the Swans during the club's glory years in the old First Division, collapsed and died while playing for Llanelli in 1998, aged 40.

The appeal is the idea of his son Luke and is backed by the supporters' trust.

"As I've got older, I've started to think about my dad more," said Luke.

"I'm coming to terms with it all now and something I would love to see would be some kind of memorial to my dad.

"People tell me what a legend he was and how Swansea's fans used to chant his name.

"It would mean so much to me if there was a tribute to him at the Liberty Stadium."


A plaque was mounted at Llanelli after the player's death

A Welsh international who played in midfield and as a striker, James made 593 appearances for Swansea as well as having spells with Stoke, QPR, Leicester, Bradford and Cardiff.

He was player-manger at Llanelli when he died.

The Swansea Supporters' Trust has agreed to help organise fundraising activities.

Chairman Phil Sumbler said: "Robbie was one of my early Swansea heroes and I don't think anyone who saw him play would forget what he did for Swansea City.

"I do believe that Swans fans of all ages will back the memorial fund and give Luke the memorial that his dad deserves."

Since the stadium opened in 2005, a bronze statue of club legend Ivor Allchurch has been erected outside, and a bust of Swansea-born former Wales great John Charles has also been unveiled. BBC