Fundraiser for paralysed Arron

9:32am Thursday 15th November 2007

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THE family and friends of a police officer who broke his neck while playing rugby raised more than £10,000 for his care in one night.

More than 1,100 people went to Talk Bar, in Lucy Road, Southend, for an evening of live music, a raffle and an auction.

Southend United striker Matt Harrold and BBC presenter James Love made celebrity appearances at the gig on Tuesday night, to show their support for Arron Williams.

Mr Williams, 25, of Thundersley, broke his neck playing for Basildon First XV in September and is in Stoke Manderville Hospital.

The only movement he has from the neck down is in his arms, and that is limited. But his fighting spirit galvanised friends and family into raising money to pay for his medical treatment.

Sarah Chamberlain, 33, of Leigh, helped launch the Arron Williams Trust Fund and organised Tuesday's gig.

She said: "It was phenomenal. One man turned up and donated £500 on the door. People offered bank notes. the support shown for Arron on Tuesday was overwhelming. It has really helped him and his family to deal with this difficult situation."

Talk Bar donated all of the money it received from people buying drinks, to the Arron Williams Trust Fund.

For information on how you can support Mr Williams, call Ms Chamberlain on 07919 204578.