Lee Lends A Hand To Make The Foundation A Little More Solid 

Colin Lee is toasting his latest successful charity night in Devon as his money-raising efforts continue to draw in those from the sporting world.

The former Wolves manager has been hosting an annual evening for good causes for around a decade since his talent-finding years with Chelsea in the south-west brought him into closer contact with the Eastern Eye restaurant in Newton Abbot.

Steve Kindon, ex-Chelsea pair Mickey Thomas and Joey Jones and Falklands hero Simon Weston have topped the bill in the past – and the charity headed by another star footballer, Bob Wilson, was chosen as the beneficiary this year.

“I used to take lads to the restaurant for a Christmas meal and a sing-song when I was doing the football education programme at the college down here,” Lee said. 

“I’ve known the owner for a long time and always get excellent support from him for these events. We had more than 90 people from the local area in there for a three-course meal this time, plus over 20 walk-ins in a separate area, so it was full to capacity.

“The turn-out was very pleasing as the only ways we set about selling places were through posters in the restaurant, speaking to people we know and a bit of work on social media. 

“The theme of the evening was something between a night of karaoke and professional music, and the open mic was greatly supported by guitarist Kevin Harding and compere David Fitzgerald, who donated their fees to the charity.

“It all worked really well and we ended up with all the performers – professional and fun singers – getting up for a rendition of Sweet Caroline.”

Among the signed raffle and auction items were a pair of boxing gloves used by Ricky Hatton, a shirt worn by athlete Kriss Akabusi, a Nasser Hussain shirt autographed by the England cricket team, a framed Bob Wilson photo and a print of diver Tom Daley springing from the board.

A message from the Arsenal and TV legend was read out during the evening and it’s estimated that around £2,615 has been raised for the charity set up by Bob and his late wife, Megs, following the death of their daughter, Anna, at only 32.

Lee and Wilson never faced each other as players but have reconnected over the summer through this initiative. They met when sitting together at a pre-season Arsenal friendly in Austria more than 20 years ago.

The Willow Foundation has already had mentions on this site in recent months and we were flattered when our efforts on its behalf left the former Tottenham and Chelsea player pledging to offer his support, too.

Lee was greatly saddened to hear this week of the death of his former Chelsea pal, Joey Jones. The 70-year-old was twice a European Cup winner at Liverpool before moving to Stamford Bridge.