Owen McVeigh Foundation Flag to be raised at Hill Dickinson Stadium

An emotional tribute will take place this weekend at Hill Dickinson Stadium as a special flag honouring the Owen McVeigh Foundation is raised aloft in the South Stand.

Organised by Everton fan group The 1878s, the tribute comes on a significant weekend – marking 10 years since the passing of Owen McVeigh, a young boy whose bravery and spirit inspired the creation of the charity that now proudly carries his name.

Earlier this week, the Club welcomed Owen’s father and Foundation founder, Mark McVeigh, along with Evertonian Eddie Hincks – whose son overcame cancer – to preview, for the first time, an Everton-inspired version of the charity’s iconic logo that will be displayed inside the stadium.

The Owen McVeigh Foundation supports children across Merseyside who are suffering from cancer, as well as their families – helping them navigate the immense challenges of treatment, worry and uncertainty. Through unforgettable experiences and cherished family moments, the Foundation is dedicated to creating magical memories that last a lifetime.

Founder Mark McVeigh said:

“It’s 10 years this weekend since Owen’s anniversary, so this tribute feels incredibly fitting.

“Our work focuses on looking after children and their families suffering with cancer – giving them the support or respite they need. The backing we’ve received from across the city has been incredible. Owen’s grandad is a proud Evertonian, so to have the blue half of the city honouring him – especially this weekend – means the world to us. We are truly grateful.”

The tribute will hold deep personal significance for Eddie Hincks, who now works for the Foundation after witnessing first-hand the impact it has on young people during his own son’s cancer battle. The pair now continue to attend matches together as Season Ticket Members.

Eddie said:

“I first connected with the Foundation both as a parent and through my work at Alder Hey on the children’s cancer unit. I saw the joy and hope it brought to families right when they needed it most.

“To stand there on Saturday with my son – who came through his own battle – and see Owen remembered this way… it will be incredibly emotional. What this charity gives can’t be put into words.”

The 1878s felt that the first lone flag raised inside Everton’s new home should champion a cause that reflects the values of the Club, the city and its people. The blue version of the charity flag — featuring the powerful message “All Together Now” – will be held proudly by Shea, one of Owen’s closest friends and an Everton Season Ticket Member.

Katie Carter of The 1878s said:

“Owen’s story has touched countless people. With this weekend marking 10 years since his family lost him, we wanted the first 1878s flag raised at Hill Dickinson Stadium to honour the Foundation that continues his legacy – and to show that this isn’t about being a red or blue. It’s about a city coming together to support children when they need it most.”

The Foundation has supported many young Evertonians in recent years – including Ben, who will proudly lead the team out as mascot at Everton’s final home game of 2025 against Arsenal on Saturday 20 December, through the involvement of the Foundation and the Club’s Official Stadium Naming Rights partner, Hill Dickinson.

Saturday’s moment is one of many occasions where the Club and supporters come together to highlight a special cause. Saturday’s tribute follows a series of activities celebrating compassionate causes, including last weekend’s unveiling of a memorial “talking bench” in memory of former captain Gary Speed – developed in partnership with the Everton Fans’ Forum.

The lone flag in the South Stand will ensure Owen’s name, spirit and the joy he brought to others continues to shine brightly – at the heart of Everton’s new home.