Our thanks to Johnstone's Paint for donating the limited replica ball from Wembley for Steve's charity.

Johnstone’s Paint has aided the latest charity push of experienced Crewe Alexandra goalkeeper Steve Phillips.

A limited edition replica ball from the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final between Crewe and Southend United in April was donated by the tournament sponsors to Steve, who is raising funds for Leukaemia Myeloid and the Stoke-based Caudwell Children’s Charity ahead of a bike ride from London to Paris in June.

Steve got the ball signed by his Crewe team-mates after their 2-0 victory in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final over Southend at Wembley, before auctioning it off at the Railwaymen’s end-of-season-awards night.

Crewe fan Ian Williamson claimed the coveted prize with a bid of £230 to bolster the money raised by Steve from a range of Johnstone’s Paint donations.

“Along with other companies, Johnstone’s Paint has been fantastic over the last couple of months and their generosity has been really appreciated,” said 34-year-old Steve.

“As well as the replica ball, Johnstone’s also donated tickets for the final which we were able to auction off and we have raised almost £500 from the prizes donated by them.

“To have a magnificent day at Wembley and win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy as well was the cherry on top of the cake and certainly boosted the value of the signed ball.”

Ben Wilde, Brand and Sponsorship Manager for Johnstone’s Paint, said: “We are delighted to help Steve with his quest to raise money for what are two very worthwhile charities.

“The response from supporters to both the replica ball and tickets we donated has been excellent and we wish Steve well for the rest of his charity efforts and the bike ride in particular.”