Xpro hosts Andy Shankland benefit
15 November 2011
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Friends` boost for Shanks
Xpro hosted Andy Shankland`s Benfit dinner at Vale Park on 10th November and a good time was had by all.
Former Port Vale winger Andy Shankland was forced into retirement through injury aged 22. That was in 1986, but eight years ago Andy suffered a work related injury that led to him having his leg amputated. When Xpro learnt of his plight CEO Geoff Scott swung into action and helped Andy recover insurance monies to which he was entitled.
To further improve Andy`s quality of life Xpro, with the help of Port Vale, arranged the benefit dinner. Former team mates and friends rallied to the cause including Robbie Earle. Unfortunately Robbie was unable to attend to dinner but instead was generous in his support for someone he calls `a good friend, a top man and a top player`.
Robbie sent a cheque for £750 to the fund and arranged for a signed Chelsea football and a signed Frank Lampard shirt to be sent to the auction held at the dinner. There was also a replica of the shirt Andy and Robbie Earle wore back in the 1980s as well as signed shirts from Tottenham and Arsenal. Local firm Richer Sounds also donated to the auction which by the end of the evening had raised a considerable amount towards the prosthetic limb which it is to be hoped will give Andy a bit more mobility than he presently has.
Andy told www.xpro.org.
"I am moved by the effort and support I have been given by Xpro. They have made a massive difference to the quality of my life and I will always be grateful. I am also grateful to Port Vale Football Club and Micky Adams for their support in making the evening such a great success. I would like to thank Micky for saying I was part of the Port Vale family. I am also part of the Xpro family and hope the charity which has helped me so much can gather momentum and help others."