Chelsea legend John Terry has generously chipped in to help an organisation which has pledged to find the grave of every single player who represented the club.
The Chelsea Graves Society has spent the past two years painstakingly tracking down everyone who played for Chelsea since their formation in 1905. They want to map the final resting place of every player so they can pay their respects to those who contributed to the success of the two time Champions League winners.
But it’s a costly process and, until now, they have relied on the goodwill of fans to help with the research. However, when former captain Terry learned of their work he stepped in and helped fund it with a substantial donation.
CGS founder Nathan Whitehouse said: “We can’t thank John enough. He learned of our work through social media and just stepped up to the plate and put his hand in his pocket.
“We were incredibly touched. This really cements his reputation as a club legend.”
Terry’s donation will enable the Chelsea Graves Society to pay for specialist research tools. They have tracked down the final resting places of many Blues greats including Harold Halse who played before the First World War.
Halse was the first man to play in three FA Cup finals for separate clubs - Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa - and CGS found his grave in the Essex seaside resort of Walton on the Naze.
Of all the 348 players who have died after playing for the Blues the CGS has tracked down 256.
“So there are 92 to go and John’s unbelievable gesture will help us do that,” said Nathan.
