Former Linfield Manager and club legend, David Jeffrey MBE, decided this past autumn that it was time to begin parting with some of his collection of historic Linfield jerseys that he had gathered up over the years during his successful spell as manager.

The collection, ranging from matches against our friends at Rangers to Setanta Cup final and Irish Cup final jerseys, would be mouth watering for any modern-day shirt collector, given the moments in history that these pieces represent.

However, David had two clear objectives when it came to finding new homes for his treasured collection; The first stipulation was that he wanted the shirts to only go to true Linfield supporters to ensure that they are always kept within the fanbase. The second was that he wanted to use this opportunity to raise money for a cause extremely close to his heart -that cause would be the Hope House Ireland cancer charity, based in Islandmagee.

Last year, David’s partner Rose was given the news that no family ever wants to receive, as she was diagnosed with cancer. An extremely challenging year followed for Rose and David as she underwent intense treatment to get back to health. Throughout that period, Rose would find some rest and relaxation at Hope House in Islandmagee. A charity that provides a place of tranquillity to cancer patients, their families and their carers at any time during their treatment.

Thankfully Rose made a full recovery and David and her wanted to do something to give back to Hope House Ireland for the support and assistance that they were able to provide during her treatment. David would get in touch with Linfield Chairman Roy McGivern about his wish to raise money through the sale of some of his collection with Linfield Trustee David Sales then taking the lead on organising the shirt sales on DJ’s behalf.

The shirts were kindly purchased by Linfield Members, Season Ticket holders and Supporters’ Clubs who decided to dig deep into their pockets when they heard the cause that was being supported.

A short presentation evening was held last night in the Linfield office at Windsor Park with David and Rose in attendance as well as a number of representatives from Hope House. Supporters were presented with their new shirts, all of which were in frames with a number of match programmes included in the frames.

Director David Sales opened the evening by welcoming David and Rose, Hope House and all of the Linfield supporters that purchased shirts throughout the campaign.

David Jeffrey MBE spoke briefly about how much Hope House Ireland means to himself and Rose and how he knew with the support that they received during their time of need, they wanted to give something back. David referred to the “Linfield family” and how “Blue men and women always come together to support one another in times of need”. There would even be references to the memorable renditions of Rock DJ that occurred over the years in David’s speech, speaking of just how much Linfield means to him and his family.

An emotional Rose would also say a few words thanking supporters wholeheartedly for making their donations to a cause so close to her heart.

Linfield would like to thank our supporters for once again showing the class, backing and camaraderie that continues to make this football club the incredible institution that it is.