Leeds United Player’s Poppy Shirt Auction Generates £816 for Military Charities

An auction involving a football shirt, featuring a Remembrance Day design and worn by Leeds United player Ao Tanaka, generated over £800 for two organizations supporting military veterans. Chris Fella, aged 61 and hailing from Otley, received this shirt, which incorporates a distinctive poppy design, following his participation in taking the salute prior to the club’s game against QPR at Elland Road on November 9. The online auction, which concluded on Sunday, successfully collected £816, benefiting Blind Veterans UK and Hounds for Heroes. Mr. Fella commented, “It’s a lot of money and I hope it helps the charities which do such good work for so many veterans.” William Witt, representing Blind Veterans UK, stated, “It’s an amazing amount. We’re really grateful to Chris.” Mr. Witt further indicated that the funds would be “extremely helpful in providing services to blind veterans across the UK.” Mr. Fella enlisted in 1982 and dedicated seven years of service to the Army. Subsequently, he received a diagnosis of optic neuritis, leading to the loss of his vision. Since then, he has been supported by Blind Veterans UK. The ex-soldier was extended an invitation by RAF veteran Darren Brooke to perform the salute before 38,000 spectators at the special Remembrance Day memorial match held at Elland Road. He was accompanied by Navy veteran Danny Dance, who is also a co-founder of Veterans Club Leeds. The football club had presented him with the item, which Tanaka had worn in an earlier game, with the stipulation that he sell it to generate money for a military charity.