‘Burglars wanted Cooksey money’

CARL SPIERS believes his Royton home was burgled because of a highly-publicised fund-raising event.

The break-in came hours after he had raised £2,000 for the family of Ernie Cooksey, the former Oldham Athletic player who died of cancer aged 28.

“Fortunately the money was in a safe, but it seems strange that the first time we have ever been burgled was on this night,” explained Mr Spiers who said entry was gained by forcing a conservatory window.

Among the things stolen was a camera containing photographs from the event “An Audience With Andy Ritchie” at St Anne’s Rugby League club.

They included images of Athletic fans who had paid £10 a time to have their photographs taken with the former Boundary Park manager.

“Fortunately I have contact details which I took to post the pictures and Andy has kindly agreed to do another photo shoot,” said Mr Spiers.

Sympathy

Also taken was a laptop computer, two mobile phones and personal effects belonging to his wife, Susan.

Mr Spiers said: “I am not looking for sympathy but I am disgusted that this happens on a day when I am trying to help Ernie’s family.

“I think it is a reflection of today’s society and people should be made aware of what has happened.”

Mr Spiers is also organising a sponsored walk from Oldham to Elland Road for the Coca Cola League One game against Leeds United on Saturday, August 16, to help raise further funds for Cooksey’s pregnant girlfriend Louise Newlove.

So far 25 fans have volunteered to walk and they will meet for a briefing at the White Hart, Royton, on Tuesday, July 23.

The walk will leave the White Hart at 6pm on the Friday evening before the game, arriving at Elland Road at lunchtime on Saturday.