Barry, who was 37 years old, lost his life after a four week battle. He was an incredibly loyal Banbury United fan, who was known by many at the club, and a popular figure in the “Town End” stand at most home games. Barry would also frequently travel away to support the Puritans, no matter where we played, and has also been a volunteer on match days for the club helping out in all areas.

Barry sadly left behind his wife Claire, and two young daughters, Charlotte and Sophie. He was a devoted husband and a wonderful father. They had so much to look forward to as a family together, and have been left devastated by his sudden loss.

In Memory of Barry and in support of his young family, the club have decided to organise a fundraiser. Anyone who donates, minimum £5, will be entered into a draw for a selection of items as seen on our social media and website which we have set up with Crowdfunder.

The fundraiser closes on February 28th 2021. After that we will draw the lucky winners in order, notify them and they will be able to select the prize of their choice.

At the end of this article is a list of prizes

The link to the raffle for donations is immediately below:

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/raffle-for-barry-pocock-by-banbury-united-fc

Included in the raffle are some very unique prizes from our recent 1st Round FA Cup game vs Canvey Island that was televised on the BBC, along with a “Meet and Greet “ game experience with our manager Andy Whing, plus a “one off” opportunity for two under 18’s to spend an evening helping out at an official Banbury United 1st team training session, meet the players and assist the coaches.

Jack Harding has also kindly donated his goalkeeper gloves that he wore throughout the FA Cup games including the win on penalties against Peterborough Sports which he has signed.

There are also some extra prizes which have been kindly donated by Concept Events, Terrace Store, Bourton Drain Services, LJ Construction, Banbury Plant & Skip Hire, Walraven, Gail & Dave Gilkes from the Banbury Cross Pub , Andy & Yvonne of Lennys Cafe Bar, Marc Wheeler from Tadmarton Heath Golf Club and our very own Mark Allitt from Revival Mk2

We know that many supporters will have already donated on just giving set up in memory of Barry. We hope that this fundraiser might encourage supporters to dig a little deeper.

Items for the raffle are as follows

•Official Banbury United FA Cup shirt Vs Canvey Island as worn by our players.

•Limited edition Mitre Delta Ball ball from the Banbury United FC vs Canvey Island game, signed by manager Andy Whing.

•1 Season ticket for the upcoming 2021/2022 Banbury United FC season.

•VIP game experience for 2 people consisting of 2 match day tickets to a home game of choice pre game “meet and greet” walk on the pitch with Banbury United manager Andy Whing , VIP access to sponsors lounge, drink and food voucher to use at the club worth £50

•Once in a lifetime experience for 2 Under 18’s invited to a Banbury United FC training session, meet the players , help coaches with collecting balls or putting cones out, and have photo with players of choice, plus food and drink provided.

•Two tickets to an away game of choice vs Banbury United FC for the upcoming season, including exclusive travel with the Banbury United FC 1st team on the official coach.

•Pair of goalkeeper gloves, autographed & worn by Jack Harding in Banbury United’s 2020 FA Cup run.

•Two VIP tickets to an evening of choice, kindly donated by Kevin Baker of Concept Events, with either Carl Fogerty, Frank Bruno or Ray Parlour ( dates tbc ) worth over £100

•£40 online shop voucher kindly donated by Carl Sewell from Terrace Store

•£50 Shop voucher from kindly donated by Mark Allitt of Revival Mk2 in Parson’s St, Banbury

•Two golf lessons kindly donated by and with PGA Teaching Pro Marc Wheeler at Tadmarton Heath Golf Club, nr Banbury worth £90

•Hire of 2 Yard Skip kindly donated by Banbury Plant Hire (terms and conditions apply )

• £100 Amazon voucher kindly donated by Walraven Uk

• £40 drinks and food voucher from Lennys Cafe Bar in Parson’s St, Banbury.

• £30 drinks voucher from The Banbury Cross Pub in Butchers Row, Banbury

•4 ball golf voucher valid at over 50 UK courses

•2 bottles of Taittinger champagne in box donated by LJ Construction

•£75 cash prize kindly donated by Karl Thompson of Bourton Drain Services