Many thanks for the incredibly generous contributions to date - the original target was cleared in no time whatsoever and it's been heartening that donations have continued to pile in.

However, this appeal began with me putting the thoughts and feelings of those involved with the Hillsborough Justice Campaign first - and today they have made their position clear. They are proud to have given their time and conducted their fight on a voluntary basis but feel they cannot accept the proceeds for its original stated purpose.

Obviously I completely respect their wishes. With this in mind, a few words about the man who inspired this fundraising effort in the first place.

Gerry McIver, the manager of the HJC shop, has had to contend with ill health alongside his tireless fight for the victims, families and survivors of the Hillsborough disaster, and indeed in the short time since this JustGiving page opened his situation has worsened.

In a statement, the HJC said: "Gerry McIver, whom so many of you know, is very ill. We are all heartbroken. If his family wish to accept this kind gesture to give him and them a break we have no problem with that.

"Gerry has given years of his life to the HJC and that has obviously impacted on his lovely wife Edna and the rest of his family as they have sacrificed that most valuable commodity - time."

So, with your blessing, all funds raised will go to Gerry and his family. It's no reach to suggest that the other shop volunteers might have insisted this was the case anyway.

The cause has touched people around the world from all walks of life, and I'm sure I speak for all of them when I say thank you to all the HJC volunteers.
But particularly - thanks to Gerry, and all the very best to you and your loved ones.