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€2m raised for Sean Cox's recovery following tribute match

€2m raised for Sean Cox's recovery following tribute match

The fundraising target of €2 million has been reached by the Sean Cox fundraising campaign.

It was reached this week as a series of events were held to help with the Liverpool supporter's recovery.

Almost 27,000 people attended a charity fundraising match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last night.

Sean Cox attended the game and received a warm response from the crowd when he appeared on the big screen.

€2m raised for Sean Cox's recovery following tribute match
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Sean Cox before the game between Republic of Ireland Legends vs Liverpool Legends. Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Chairman of the Sean Cox Rehabilitation Fund, Stephen Felle, says while fundraising will continue - the focus now for the family is on the future.

"I do think the next phase is preparing for Sean coming out of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire and using the money that has been collected to-date very carefully towards finding the care for Sean that the family are initially planning he will get in England and then building a long-term plan for bringing him home," said Mr Felle.

He said that fundraising efforts will continue.

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"We really need to help the Cox family and give them space in terms of planning the next stage of Sean's recovery.

"An awful lot of events have taken place over the last six or seven months to push us towards that target of €2 million that we set ourselves.

"We've reached it this week so that's an amazing milestone as well."

Last night, tens of thousands of fans descended on the Aviva Stadium to see the Legends For Sean Cox match, organised by his beloved Anfield side.

€2m raised for Sean Cox's recovery following tribute match
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The match saw Liverpool FC Legends defeat a Republic of Ireland XI Legends team 2-1.

Kenny Dalglish led a star-studded Liverpool team against Ireland stars of yesteryear, managed by current international boss Mick McCarthy, and featuring Robbie Keane, Sean St Ledger, Ray Houghton and a host of other big names.

President Michael Higgins attended the game and met Mr Cox’s wife and children Jack, Shauna and Emma on the pitch, as thousands of fans sang Liverpool anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone.

A statement from Mr Cox’s wife Martina read: “The last 12 months have not been easy for us, but what has helped us get through this difficult journey has been the outpouring of support and genuine concern for Sean.

“For this we will always be thankful. We are filled with gratitude and feel truly blessed.

“A heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this special day, it will stay with us for a very long time.”

To find out more about Mr Cox’s journey, or make a donation, visit www.supportsean.com.

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