On Friday last week, the sad news came that Berit Ingeborgvik Talseth, the roommate of Wolff Eikrem, had passed away after a long illness. This prompted the supporters’ club “Tornekrattet” to start a fundraising campaign for the Cancer Association. – Magnus himself said that he wanted a donation to the Cancer Society, instead of flowers. That’s why we set up a Spleis and donated NOK 10,000 ourselves, and it has really taken off, says leader of Tornekrattet, Ronny Stamsvik. Declarations of support have come from all over the country. Photo: Svein Ove Ekornesvåg / NTB So far they have collected over half a million kroner. – It is very touching and very wonderful that many people want to support the case, but also show their support for Magnus, because this is an unbelievably sad case, says Stamsvik. Ronny Stamsvik, leader of the supporters’ club “Tornekrattet”. Photographed here at the cup final at the Ullevaal stadium in May. Photo: Arne Flatin / news Statements of support from the north and south One of the supporters’ clubs that has contributed to the fundraising campaign is “Vikinghordene”. Screenshot of the Twitter message to the supporters’ club of Viking Football Club. Photo: Screenshot Declarations of support have come from all over the country. “Our deepest condolences to Magnus Wolff Eikrem, his family and Molde Football Club. The football family is with dive”, write Vålerenga Fotball. “We offer our deepest condolences to Magnus, the family and MFK”, write Kristiansund Ballklubb, “Our deepest condolences to Magnus Wolff Eikrem, immediate family and Molde FK”, write Rosenborg Ballklub. The Molde players and the coaching staff stand behind Magnus Wolff Eikrem in a difficult time. Photo: Svein Ove Ekornesvåg / NTB Ellevill sum The Cancer Association says that they greatly appreciated the initiative from Tornekrattet and football Norway who have supported in this way. They believe that such unity and commitment is quite special. It is also not everyday that so much money comes in in such a short time. – It’s a wild sum. This is so moving and great for us to see, says secretary general Ingrid Stenstadvold Ross. She says that there is an infinitely sad situation behind it and that they send warm thoughts to the Molde captain. Marking at the stadium During the match on Sunday, both the club and the supporters marked the passing away with a minute’s silence, by playing mourning bands and the entire stadium standing up and clapping in the seventh minute – which is Wolff Eikrem’s kit number. The most touching moment was probably when the captain himself came onto the field at the end of the match. – It was, absolutely. Those are the kind of winks you take with you and keep close to your heart, said coach Erling Moe after the match. Coach Erling Moe gives Magnus Wolff Eikrem a hug after Sunday’s game. Photo: Svein Ove Ekornesvåg / NTB – It has been very difficult for Molde and Magnus. But the way he has handled it has given motivation to the entire player group. It is a security to have him with you. It was fantastic that we were able to mark this in this way, said teammate Ola Brynhildsen after the match. – Our captain, the leader of Tornekrattet, greatly appreciated everyone who contributed and continued to contribute to the fundraising campaign. When asked how important Magnus Wolff Eikrem is to the supporters, he replies: – Very important. He is the returning son. He is one of Norway’s best soccer players. He is our captain. We care about him anyway, and when he finds himself in such a sad situation, we really feel for him. We do that, says Stamsvik. The thorn bush shows great support for the captain. Photo: Svein Ove Ekornesvåg / NTB
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