Dean Holden is grateful for fundraising support
Defender Dean Holden today hailed Walsall's fans and thanked the footballing community for their support as they raise money in memory of his daughter.
The defender will receive a signed England under-21 shirt from tonight's game with Sweden at the Banks's Stadium which will be auctioned to raise money for the Meningitis Trust.
Holden and wife Danielle lost 17-month-old daughter Cici to the illness last year.
The Walsall Supporters' Trust are organising events and Holden has been touched by the backing the family have received.
He said: "It's been a lovely gesture from the Trust. It's difficult and it brings things back to the surface but we're trying to get on with it as best we can.
"We don't want to ask for money but when people volunteer and say 'we want to get involved' we're happy to do that. The shirt is a brilliant gesture from the FA."
Will Grigg has donated a signed Northern Ireland programme from his debut against Holland last year while Holden's yellow third kit will also be auctioned.
There will be a bucket collection at the Saddlers' home game with Notts County next Saturday which follows similar events at Holden's former clubs Shrewsbury and Chesterfield.
Holden added: "My wife Danielle and the kids are going to come to the Notts County game and shake some buckets.
"I think clubs want to out-do each other with Shrewsbury and Chesterfield having done things. There's a friendly rivalry but in a fun way. Whatever they can raise for the Meningitis Trust will go towards research."