AN amazing £17,920.09 - that's the total readers raised during the Bury Times Five To Stay Alive fundraising campaign as part of the Save Our Shakers Appeal.

But now, with the club now safely out of administration and everyone looking forward to a bright new future the Bury Times - part of the Bolton Evening News group - bringing the SOS campaign to an end.

It's been a long, long struggle but at the end of the day the objective - to save Bury Football Club - has been achieved and you, our loyal readers, can give yourselves a huge pat on the back for your contribution.

In bringing the appeal to a close we have printed, for the final time, the Five To Stay Alive pledge list which has helped give the club an vital lifeline over the past turbulent months.

BT sponsored Gala Dinners, sponsored walks, auctions, marathons, quizzes, fund-raising functions and scores of other money-making ideas have brought in tens of thousands of pounds and every small contribution has helped.

Celebrities from the sporting and entertainment world also got behind the campaign with Manchester United and England's Gary and Phil Neville, Irish World Cup star Matt Holland and Liverpool and England's Jamie Rednapp throwing their weight behind the cause while Bury's own Lisa Riley and Hear'Say's Suzanne Shaw also did their bit.

Even though the club are out of administration it's still a hand to mouth existence for the Shakers and it's vitally important everyone in the town gets behind the club at this difficult time making sure that they never again go so close to extinction.

There are many ways in which that can be done, none more important than attending home matches at Gigg Lane and getting behind Andy Preece's lads on a Saturday afternoon.

But through sponsorship deals, lotteries and the Forever Bury supporters trust everyone can play their part in the future of the Shakers.

At the end of the upcoming season the club will be celebrating 100 years since their record breaking 6-0 FA Cup final victory over Derby County.

There was a time, a few short months ago, when they didn't look like being around to see that anniversary.

All who have contributed to the appeal can take pride in knowing they've done their bit to keep professional soccer in the town.

Well done to everyone!

"UP THE SHAKERS!"

PHIL THORP

Bury Times Sports Editor