MORE than £4,000 has been raised to replace equipment for a youth football club after it was destroyed in a fire.

Bold Rangers Junior Football Club, who train at Bold Miners Welfare Club on Fleet Lane, found that the storage container where all of their supplies, including footballs and nets, were kept was destroyed by a fire in November.

The club started a JustGiving page to raise £2,000 needed to replace the equipment but in just over two weeks they have received £4,643.

Retailer Chris O’Dea, the owner of ODs Designer Clothing on Cotham Street, donated £2,000 to the club after hearing about the fire and encouraged others to lend their support.

Mark Fairbrother, chairman of Bold Rangers JFC, said: “It fantastic how much the club is at the heart of the community, it is a key part of the area and the people of Parr did not let us down in helping us.

“We feel very emotional now because we will not only be able to replace the equipment but also buy much needed things like hurdles and new goal posts..

“ I am just so happy we can continue to offer a valuable service for the children in the area, so many people have sent us their support such as Mike Rush, chief executive of Saints, who has donated a shirt for us to a donation and raise even more.

“We cannot thank Chris O'Dea at ODs or the community enough, it means everything to us, the kids are going to school wearing their jackets that shows the pride they have in the club."

On hearing about Chris’ donation, St Helens North MP Conor McGinn, said: “I was shocked to hear of the fire at Bold Rangers JFC and the loss of their equipment, I only visited the club a few weeks ago and saw for myself how much the local children, both boys and girls were enjoying their football.

"The club chairman and all the coaches and volunteers work incredibly hard to run the club. I am in regular contact with the club and this must have come as a real blow but knowing the club they will get through this.

“The community has really rallied round in support and I am delighted to hear that local business man, Chris O'Dea, from ODs in the town centre has stepped in to provide support.

“This will no doubt help replace the damaged equipment, and support the community he is proud to come from."