There will be a minute’s applause before Saturday’s kick-off at home to Maidenhead United to commemorate the life of nine-year-old Gravesend girl Stacey Mowle who lost her brave five-year battle against neuroblastoma cancer on Friday morning.

Relatives of Stacey, of Trafalgar Road, set up The Stacey Mowle Appeal in the hope of raising £500,000 and the chance to receive life-saving treatment in the USA. The appeal had raised more than £200,000, with everything from giant conga lines to concerts and parties. Famous patrons of the charity included Paul Konchesky, Graham Roberts and Harry Redknapp from the world of football, comedian Joe Pasquale, local X Factor contestant Tamera Foster and actress Linda Robson.

A statement on the appeal’s Facebook page said, “For what has been an extremely emotional fight and journey we must not forget that each and everyone of you, her dedicated loyal fantastic supporters, have made every day throughout that journey an adventure, she was so lucky. You made her smile & laugh constantly throughout her treatment. It is now time to celebrate our Princess’s life that she had with us.”

The Stacey Mowle Appeal was a cause close to the heart of a number of Ebbsfleet fans and the Mowle family have been visitors in the past to Stonebridge Road on several occasions. As such, and as Stacey’s hometown club, everyone at Ebbsfleet United Football Club would like to pass on their condolences and best wishes to the Mowle family and we are sure fans will join in wholeheartedly with the minute’s applause this coming Saturday.

Stacey was also a Spurs fan and the north London club’s supporters are also planning to hold a ninth-minute round of applause at their forthcoming home game.

Donations to the appeal are still being accepted online. To contribute, click here.