Two local hospices have benefited from a donation by Chesterfield FC after being nominated to receive funds raised by the FA Community Shield.  Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice have each received a donation of £2,500.

The money is part of the national distribution of funds raised by the traditional curtain-raiser to the domestic season between the Premier League champions and FA Cup champions.  This season Manchester United beat Portsmouth 3-1 on penalties at Wembley Stadium. 

Chesterfield chairman Barrie Hubbard said: "Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood are always worthy of support and are once again our nominated charities to receive these funds this year."

Ashgate Hospice fund-raiser Emily Evans (pictured left) said: "A big thank you to the Spireites for making us one of their nominated charities for a share of the FA Community Shield Fund."

Meanwhile, Bluebell Wood community fund-raiser Helen Mower (pictured right) said: "There is very little government funding for childrens' hospices so donations like this are so crucial and we thank Chesterfield Football Club for making it possible."

Over the last few seasons the Spireites have been able to donate a total of nearly £30,000 to these two popular local charities.