A Ray Of Hope

The delirious scenes following Tuesday's north London derby dragged me back to a similar night at White Hart Lane in May 1971.

With three minutes left, Ray Kennedy's header delivered the title to Arsenal, sending the Gooners into delirium.

Kennedy, 20, scored 19 League goals in that Double season.

Three years later he joined Liverpool, Bob Paisley turning him into an attacking midfielder.

Kennedy won 17 England caps, six First Division titles, three European Cups, one FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup, Fairs Cup, European Super Cup and even a Welsh Cup with Swansea.

But, after Parkinson's Disease ravaged his body at the age of 34, he had to put those caps and medals up for auction, just to stay alive. Since his 1991 testimonial, he has had no steady income, is unable, like other ex-players, to cash in on coaching, media or after-dinner work and his condition has seriously deteriorated.

But he hasn't been forgotten.

Liverpool and Arsenal fan groups have joined forces to launch a Ray of Hope Appeal to try to give their former hero, now 56, some sort of quality of life. They are organising events in both cities over the next year, but are calling on all other fans touched by Ray's plight to help him immediately. This legend desperately needs money to meet his medical and domestic demands and any cash you give will make a massive difference.

So please pledge something to rayofhopeappeal@hotmail.co.uk, or send a cheque to the Ray of Hope Appeal c/o HSBC account 21817299 sort-code 40-03-27


Can't help but put up an advertisement for the cause.