Bluebirds stalwart Russ Rawley has been honoured for his decades of tireless fundraising for the Club by being made a Life Member.
His monumental efforts on behalf of the Club have become the stuff of legend over the years and he’s now one of the most recognisable faces among Barrow fans on matchday.
Already the Honorary Life President of the Bluebirds Trust, Russ has been a core part of every fundraising drive in living memory, including the Survival Fund and the Bluebirds Development Fund.
He has spearheaded the Trust’s matchday raffle for so many years that when the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to go online, the decision was taken to rename it Russ’ Raffle in his honour.
Now the Club itself has moved to recognise the incredible time and loyalty that Russ has shown over the years by installing him as Life Member at The Dunes Hotel Stadium.
“Russ has been a tremendous fundraiser for the Club and the Trust for more years than most of us care to remember,” commented Chairman, Paul Hornby.
“He’s a lovely guy who is never too busy to share a word or a story from yesteryear, and it’s just wonderful to see how what began as a draw for a bottle of whisky has developed into something so huge.
“It’s been a massive success story since those early beginnings and now it’s moved online as well with Russ’ name, that is his legacy firmly cemented.
“This award is thoroughly deserved for someone who has only ever had the Club’s best interests at heart and I am thrilled that we can honour him in this fashion.”
In a rare break from selling tickets, Russ added: “I’m chuffed to bits – it’s come as such a big surprise.
“I started doing a little bit of fundraising a few years ago and it’s amazing to see how it has grown into such a well-known part of matchdays.
“It was only every really done to assist the Club’s coffers and I never imagined that my little bit would be so well received by the management and the Board.”
Russ will be presented with his Life Membership on the pitch at half time during our next home game against Mansfield Town on Saturday 22nd January.
And make sure you buy some tickets for Russ’ Raffle that day, Bluebirds fans, because remember: “only winners left!”