29 Mar 2007

Both sides have come together in order to raise enough money to provide Jamie Cooper with a day out at the Millennium Stadium. He will be arriving with his family by helicopter on the day to watch his favourite team Bristol Rovers play in the Johnstone’s Paint trophy final on April 1st 2007.

Jamie Cooper, who lives in Kingswood, served with the Royal Green Jackets in Iraq. 18 year old Jamie had been testing radio equipment ready for a routine patrol when he came under attack and was hit by two mortar shells which ripped a hole through his stomach. His injuries were so horrific that he needed to be brought back to life while being choppered to safety. Surgeons at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham then fought for 12 hours to save the life of Jamie, the youngest British soldier to be seriously wounded in Iraq.

Teresa Quinn, sponsorship manager for Johnstone's Paints said: “Johnstone’s main aim was to reach fans with this cup competition and I don’t think we could have done it any better. To have two rival teams come together and help Jamie is fantastic, even when City is no longer in the competition. Best of luck to Jamie and I hope he enjoys his day.”

If you want to add to the contribution that Bristol Rovers and Bristol City fans are making to Jamie Cooper's VIP day at the Millennium Stadium or to read the full story, contact Brian Flynn at brianaflynn@aol.com or visit www.bristolcitynet.co.uk .