ROVERS fans can help a hospice during the forthcoming football season by taking advantage of secure match-day parking at a nearby school.

Darwen Vale High School’s pledge to raise funds in memory of a former governor will allow East Lancashire Hospice to take over the grounds for parking during Rovers’ home games next season.

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The community fundraising initiative by the school comes following the death of their former governor Don Heatlie-Jackson, who was cared for by the hospice shortly before his death in March.

Mr Heatlie-Jackson was a former Tory councillor for the Earcroft area, involved in the Lower Darwen Community Association, a governor of both Darwen Vale and Holy Trinity Schools and a bell-ringer at St Peter’s Church.

Darwen Vale’s headteacher Fiona Jack said all at the school would be delighted to be able to help the charity that was close to them and the nearby community.

She said: “As a school we already do a lot of fundraising for the hospice movement as it is something our young people care very deeply about.

“Given that we are also massive supporters of our local team, Blackburn Rovers, this was a great opportunity to combine both things in this great initiative.”

Denise Gee, events fundraiser at the hospice, said the idea was a huge benefit for both teams.

She said: “The school have kindly allowed us to use their car park to raise funds from matchday parking.

“This extra income will provide football-goers with a very meaningful reason to park at Darwen Vale.

“Every penny they spend on parking will help to make a difference to patients suffering from life-limiting illnesses.

“We’re delighted to strike up this deal with one of our local schools.”

The car park will be open two hours before kick-off for every home game in the 2015-16 season and costs just £5 per car.

The car park will open on Saturday, August 8 when Rovers kick off their Championship campaign hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers.

For more information contact Denise Gee at the hospice on 01254 733411.