Yesterday was Remembrance Sunday with the public showing their appreciation for those who put their lives on the line for each of us in different parts of the world.  It’s something that is close to my heart as my soon to be wife’s brother-in-law lost his leg whilst serving in Afghanistan just over 2 years ago.

There are many who are busy raising money for the likes of Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion and its great to see that social media is once again being used in innovative ways to spread the word.

Footballers aren’t known for being the most sensitive or pro-active of people but there are always exceptions to any rule.  It was great to see Norwich City footballer Elliot Bennett putting his wallet where his mouth is by pledging to support H4H and RBL.

He did so by using his 37k followers to spread the word.  Via his account he pledged to give 11p for every ReTweet he received by 11am, giving only 50 minutes for people to get supporting.

For Remembrance Sunday I will donate 11p for every retweet of this to @HelpforHeroes until 11am when we remember our heroes ????

— Elliott Bennett (@Ebenno88) November 10, 2013

By 11am he had received over 24,000 retweets of that original message (now its over 31k).  Meaning he handed over  £2,800 to the charity.  Not bad for one tweet and 50 minutes.

Thanks to everyone that retweeted. 24.8k retweets at 11am so I will donate £2800 as promised. I will donate half to @HelpforHeroes …

— Elliott Bennett (@Ebenno88) November 10, 2013

And the other half I will donate to @PoppyLegion . ????

— Elliott Bennett (@Ebenno88) November 10, 2013

It shows the power that social media can be used by sportspeople when it comes to using the platforms for social good, not just promoting themselves and trolling opponents.  With so many people who can potentially get behind something like this it’s an ideal opportunity that others can learn from.

The one thing that was perhaps missing was a tie up with the club, who themselves have over 150k followers.  A tweet from them to help spread the word would probably have resulted in even more money raised.

As with everything these days, there are those who thought it was nothing but a PR exercise and way to get more followers to his account.  Something that he denies and by all accounts he is one of the better role models there are at the top level of the game.

@essexboyshiv why do you think it's about attention? Already had 37k followers. Gained nothing from it and don't wish to.

— Elliott Bennett (@Ebenno88) November 10, 2013

Not only did he raise money but it also looks like his idea spread to others in the game.  Conor Wickham, the Sunderland player currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, pledged to give 10p for every retweet and gained just over 17k.  Meaning that he is handing over £1,730 to Help for Heroes.

In remembrance of those fallen I will donate 10p for every retweet that this tweet gets from 10-11am @HelpforHeroes pic.twitter.com/SEVM1wcW1m

— Connor Wickham (@ConnorWickham10) November 11, 2013

17.3k retweets is amazing.. Meaning £1730 to @HelpforHeroes a big thank you to everyone who retweeted your helping your country! X

— Connor Wickham (@ConnorWickham10) November 11, 2013

Do you know of any other sportspeople who have used their social media profiles for social good?