|
As you may already be aware, Lymphoma is the disease that took Arsenal legend David Rocastle from us in 2001. “Rocky”, as we all called him, passed away at the tragically young age of 33, leaving behind a young family as well as a profound sense of loss among generations of Arsenal fans
The book, 'Up For Grabs Now', recounts the Gunners' first division victory over Liverpool at Anfield on 26th May 1989 - a date that will live long in the memory of both Arsenal and Liverpool supporters, when a last-minute Michael Thomas goal won Arsenal’s first league championship since 1971 at Anfield, the home of the defending champions.
The book is envisaged as a collection of testimonies by those who experienced the dramatic events at close quarters or long distance. Arsenal fans in their scores are already pledging their support by buying copies in advance and submitting contributions for inclusion. The book has the full backing of Arsenal Football Club.
We fully understand that 26 May 1989, and indeed the tragic events that preceeded it, are an extremely difficult memory for everyone involved with Liverpool Football Club. Our goal is neither triumphalism nor exploitation: every single penny of profit made by the book will go straight to the Marc Fisher Trust.
We are confident that your wonderful club will listen sympathetically to our requests for assistance in the same spirit that has historically united us as two footballing institutions and two sets of supporters.
We see this reflected not only in the mutual admiration that saw Arsenal players hand flowers to the home supporters before kick-off that night but also in the Liverpool fans’ memorable reciprocation after the final whistle when they stayed in their thousands to applaud as the trophy was presented to Tony Adams.
We also see it in the united fundraising efforts and, ultimately grief, which surrounded the heroic fight of Arsenal and Liverpool legend Ray Kennedy against a similarly debilitating condition.
We are seeking some reminiscences from Liverpool fans of that same night and the almost unbearable drama and emotions that surrounded it, to lend the book a wider perspective.
If the match still leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, or stops you watching Fever Pitch whenever it's on telly we want to hear from you.
Click here to pass on your comments
Many thanks
Chris Parry, Editor of Arsenal World