A FORMER Worcester Warriors player has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £25,000 so he can open a coffee shop in the city.
Sam Smith, who was forced to call time on his career last month due to successive injuries, needs to raise the thousands of pounds to renovate a Grade Two listed Georgian townhouse in the heart of Worcester so he can open his ‘Wayland’s Yard’ coffee shop.
The 26-year-old has so far raised more than £6,500 and has made a last ditch plea to city residents to donate before Thursday’s (September 29) deadline.
Residents that to donate to the campaign will be able to get their hands on rewards such as free coffee, free birthday cake for life, to even being immortalised on a wall mural designed by local street artist Viktor Void.
The money will be used to renovate the upstairs of the building, to cut down the over-grown shrubbery to create an outdoor area and to help buy top of the range espresso equipment.
Speaking to the Observer, Sam said: “I’ve been overwhelmed so far by the support we’ve received. Everyone has been so enthusiastic and it’s so exciting to have members of the local community involved with the shop before we’ve even opened.
“I can’t wait to be able to get the doors open, welcome everyone one in and dish out their rewards.”
To donate to Sam’s crowdfunding campaign visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/waylands-yard.
