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Simon Dobbin: Cambridge v Southend match to raise funds Simon Dobbin attack: Cambridge and Southend fans unite
(about 17 hours later)
Proceeds from a pre-season friendly will raise money for a football fan who suffered brain damage in a post-match attack. A Cambridge United supporter who suffered brain damage in a post-match attack by Southend United supporters has been cheered by fans of both clubs.
Simon Dobbin, 44, was seriously injured after a game between Cambridge United and Southend United in March 2015. Simon Dobbin, 44, and his family joined players on the pitch ahead of a friendly at the Cambs Glass Stadium.
It is the first time the two sides have played each other since March 2015 when Mr Dobbin was injured.
Twelve people were jailed for the attack, and a 13th man will be sentenced next month.Twelve people were jailed for the attack, and a 13th man will be sentenced next month.
Fans of both teams have been urged to "come together" as the teams meet at the Cambs Glass Stadium at 15:00 BST. Proceeds from Saturday's match will go to the Dobbin family.
Cambridge United chairman Dave Doggett said "it was heartbreaking for all of us." Mr Dobbin's wife Nicole Dobbin had special "half and half" football shirts made for the occasion which feature elements of both Cambridge United and Southend's kits.
"This is a real opportunity for Cambridge United and Southend United to come together in one cause and say, come on, we're behind you and we'll be with you on that journey. The message on the back reads "United we stand against football violence".
"Hopefully people will turn up in the numbers and show that football has a good side." Mrs Dobbin, from Mildenhall in Suffolk, said: "I want both sets of fans to stand united together.
Cambridge United said money raised from the match will "help improve Mr Dobbin's quality of life at home in Mildenhall" and contribute to his "ongoing care needs". "Some fans weren't happy that Cambridge were playing Southend so I came up with the idea to make these shirts to let people know we support both sets of fans".
Mr Dobbin made an emotional return to see his club play last October - and was welcomed on to the pitch before the game. She said the money would be used to provide her husband with experimental oxygen therapy and to buy special equipment for their home.
Cambridge United chief executive, Jez George, said: "We are all aware of the tragic assault that has led to Simon's life-changing injuries, and this match provides Cambridge United and Southend United with the opportunity to show both clubs support. Cambridge United chairman Dave Doggett said: "Our thoughts are with Nicole, Simon and the family because it's been a traumatic few weeks with the court case and now we want to help them move on.
"Simon's wife, Nicole, is a truly remarkable woman who has shown astonishing resolve in her care for Simon in unimaginable circumstances. "Since day one we've tried to support the family - we just want to try and make their home more comfortable and to make Simon's life more enjoyable."
"Our aim is to attract a huge crowd and generate as much money as possible for such a worthy cause." Cambridge United chief executive Jez George said: "We are all aware of the tragic assault that has led to Simon's life-changing injuries, and this match provides Cambridge United and Southend United with the opportunity to show both clubs' support.
"Simon's wife, Nicole, is a truly remarkable woman who has shown astonishing resolve in her care for Simon in unimaginable circumstances."