Nearly £3,000 was raised for Thames Valley Air Ambulance during Wycombe Wanderers’ recent home match against Milton Keynes Dons.

Supporters far and wide donated to the cause in honour of popular Chairboys supporter Mark Bird, who sadly passed away before the club’s encounter against Blackpool at Adams Park on January 28, 2020.

Mr Bird had fallen ill just before kick-off, where he was airlifted to Wexham Hospital but sadly could not be resuscitated.

READ MORE: Wycombe Wanderers to pay tribute to Mark Bird at MK Dons game (January 2020)

So to honour the much-loved fan on the second anniversary of his passing, the club teamed up with TVAA to support the cause, whilst a Wanderers fan decided to donate one of his most prized possessions to help the charity.

Alex Broom, who follows the Light and Dark Blue Army both home and away, decided to add the 2020 League One play-off final match ball to the cause’s raffle, in a bid to encourage more people to donate.

Wycombe fan, Alex Broom, donatedthe 2020 League One play-off final match ball to help raise more money to the charity (Wycombe Wanderers FC)

Wycombe fan, Alex Broom, donatedthe 2020 League One play-off final match ball to help raise more money to the charity (Wycombe Wanderers FC)

Mr Broom had won the match ball in a competition run by league sponsors, Sky Bet, following the Chairboys' historical win over Oxford United at Wembley Stadium in July 2020.

The act of kindness was met with much praise, as the charity received £2,700 in donations from fans.

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Mark’s son, Luke, and daughter, Lauren, have jointly commented: “Our family were so grateful for the efforts of the Thames Valley Air Ambulance crew on the night that our dad fell ill, and we are delighted that - thanks to the generosity of Alex Broom - we are able to celebrate his life and raise money for the charity at Saturday's game against MK Dons.

"The Wycombe family showed us tremendous love and support after our Dad passed away and it will be a special occasion for all of us to be there at Adams Park on Saturday.

Mark Bird with son Luke at the 2015 play-off final

Mark Bird with son Luke at the 2015 play-off final

“We'd love it if as many fans as possible can enter the raffle for the chance to win the signed match ball from the play-off final, and raise lots of money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance who rely solely on charitable donations."

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Amanda McLean, Chief Executive at Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said: “As a charity, we rely solely on the generosity of the public to be there for patients when every second counts.

“That’s why it means a lot that Mark’s family and all the supporters at Saturday’s match are raising money for our lifesaving service.

“Our crews work tirelessly to bring the hospital to the patient and 2021 was our busiest year on record with nearly 3,000 call outs. But we couldn’t do it without our supporters.

“It’s wonderful to see fans come together in memory of Mark and to get behind a community charity like ours.”

The winner of the match ball was Sean Parsons.