I am auctioning off Brian Tinnion's match-worn shirt from the 2003 LDV final against Carlisle. The shirt is signed by the team and framed. It was presented to me by Tins to thank me for working on his testimonial committee. The shirt has had pride of place on my study wall for several years, but I'm happy to let it go for a very special cause. There is a reserve price on the item and all proceeds from the auction will go to helping a fellow Bristol City fan. Oskar is nearly 6. He’s one of the most cheerful, happy and positive kids you could ever wish to meet. He loves Bristol City, and is a firm favourite with players, staff and fans. Many of you may know him. Oskar has bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, gastric reflux, asthma, occasional fits and also shows clear signs of autism. He is unable to sit, stand or walk independently. He is in constant pain with his muscles and joints. Without complex medical intervention, Oskar faces a life of continuing pain, and will never be able to walk independently. But there is hope. An operation called selective dorsal rhyzotomy (SDR) locates the malfunctioning nerves and cuts them. This helps reduce the defective signals to the lower limbs. The operation is not available to Oskar on the NHS. However Dr T.S. Park, the pioneer of SDR at Saint Louis Children's Hospital in the USA, is willing to operate on Oskar. As a result, the spasticity and pain in Oskar’s legs will be permanently reduced, as will the bone deformations that are likely to occur as he grows. This surgery is also Oskar's only chance of being able to walk independently. It will cost £70,000. If you're not able to bid for the shirt, there's another way you can help. I’ll be walking the 18 miles from Weston-Super-Mare FC to Ashton Gate on Sunday July 20th. Please sponsor me, and help this very special little boy lead an easier and less pain-free life as he grows older. Mods - I'd be grateful for a pin!
I know Oskar...great lad with really positive outlook. And I can vouch from the conversations I've had with him that he is an avid (and knowledgeable!) City fan. Good luck to you with this NTTDS.
