‘Stepped up to the plate’ – Chelsea legend John Terry makes touching donation to help fund Blues project

CHELSEA legend John Terry has been praised for a “substantial donation” to a unique Blues’ project.

The former England centre-back “stepped up to the plate” for an organisation pledging to find the grave of every deceased Chelsea player.

So far, the final resting place of 256 have been found – out of 348 players since the club’s formation in 1905.

The Chelsea Graves Society has put in tireless research for the past two years.

But the process is as costly as it is time-consuming.

And the intervention of all-time great Blues’ skipper JT could be crucial.

CGS founder Nathan Whitehouse told : “We can’t thank John enough.

“He learned of our work through social media and just stepped up to the plate and put his hand in his pocket.

“We were incredibly touched. This really cements his reputation as a club legend.”

Terry, 42, won the Premier League and FA Cup five times apiece with the Blues, plus the Champions League in 2012.

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And although the Stamford Bridge academy product ended his playing days at Aston Villa, before becoming the Villans’ assistant manager for three years, Chelsea remain his No1 football love.

Now he’s reaffirmed his bond with fans through his donation.

The CGS are making good progress tracking ex-Blues stars who have died.

And Whitehouse said: “So there are 92 to go and John’s unbelievable gesture will help us do that.”

say Terry’s financial help will fund specialist research tools.