The Southport community came together for a day of togetherness and fundraising at the Charity match at Southport Football Club.
People enjoyed watching a whole host of celebrity players, plus live music and entertainment, raising much-needed funds for the families impacted by the Southport tragedy.
The event was hosted by local radio presenters Claire Simmo and Baz Todd with live music, entertainment and more.
Southport business G Models & Casting Agency provided several characters to entertain families, including a Captain Jack Sparrow lookalike, Wookies, world champion football freestyler Steve Gray and more.
The game was attended by several families whose children had been at the Southport attack two years ago.
It was the second year the Charity Match has taken place.
One family wrote to the owners of Southport Football Club to say: “II’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all the time, energy and care you have put into this fundraising day.
“As you know, my daughter was significantly injured in the attack.
“The Charity Match provides everyone that girls like her continue to live with that trauma of that day, every single day.
“The match is so much more than the financial donation.
“It’s a powerful reminder to the girls that there is far more kindness in this world than the evil they experienced, and that their communities are standing by them, supporting them and their families.
“It is hard to put into words how much that day changed our lives, but Saturday and days like it remind us that even in the darkest times there is still light and hope.
“It’s an incredible achievement and it means a lot.”
A spokesperson for Southport FC said: “Southport Football Club would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, member of staff, and most importantly, our incredible community.
“Saturday was for the families affected by the tragic events of two years ago.
“It was a day to stand together, to remember, and to show that they will never face this journey alone.
“The unwavering support shown by everyone involved is a true reflection of what makes our community so special.
“Thank you to every single person who played a part in making the day so meaningful.
More information to follow regarding money raised.”
The two sides were managed by Everton FC legend Ian Snodin and Liverpool FC legend John Aldridge with celebrity players including: Still Ryan, James Nelson-Joyce, Toni Duggan, Liam Smith, Callum Skillen, Ryan Hall, Baz Todd, Neil Danns, Rocky Fielding, Will Craggs, Mark Duffy, Philip McGuinness, Sam Tay and more.
Volunteers from Southport Hesketh Round Table were once again at the ground throughout the day, selling raffle tickets with a variety of top prizes to be won, donated by various local companies.
People are also able to donate via the Southport Hesketh Round Table GoFundMe page here: Fundraiser by Southport Hesketh Round Table : Helping the Southport Families After 29th July 2024 Attack
Marc Foreman from Southport Hesketh Round Table said:
“Two years ago, we were broken as a community from the devastating events that happened here in Southport. Just a few streets away from my house.
“But the same day, I set up a Go Fund Me page that helped us raise over £200k for the families directly affected! Click here if you’d like to donate: Fundraiser by Southport Hesketh Round Table : Helping the Southport Families After 29th July 2024 Attack
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far, whether through volunteering, donating, attending events, or simply sharing our posts. The kindness shown by our community continues to amaze me.”
The two sides were managed by Everton FC legend Ian Snodin and Liverpool FC legend John Aldridge with celebrity players including: Still Ryan, James Nelson-Joyce, Toni Duggan, Liam Smith, Callum Skillen, Ryan Hall, Baz Todd, Neil Danns, Rocky Fielding, Will Craggs, Mark Duffy, Philip McGuinness, Sam Tay and more.
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