Commonwealth Games medallists reunite for landmark event in aid of The Brain Charity

Two decades after one of English basketball’s most historic achievements, members of the 2006 Commonwealth Games bronze medal-winning squad are coming together in Liverpool for a major charity event.

The reunion is being driven by Mike Martin, a member of that historic 2006 team, a brain tumour survivor, and a Charity Ambassador for The Brain Charity. He is spearheading the initiative to highlight the power of sport and raise awareness for neurological conditions.

Mike Martin said:

“My diagnosis changed everything overnight. Recovery has been unpredictable and challenging, but basketball gave me the mindset to keep adapting and moving forward.

“That’s why this event matters so much. It’s about raising awareness of the challenges faced by people living with neurological conditions, while also giving back to the game that gave so many of us purpose and direction. If basketball is going to keep growing in the UK, we have to keep investing in grassroots and creating opportunities for the next generation.”

Scheduled for 20th June at the Fire Fit Hub, the event aims to generate crucial funds for The Brain Charity. It will also highlight how sport and community connection can offer life-altering support for individuals managing mental health challenges and neurological conditions.

Matt Meaney, CEO of The Brain Charity, said:

“This event is a fantastic example of the power of partnership in raising awareness of neurological conditions and creating meaningful opportunities for connection and inclusion. Mike’s willingness to share his lived experience, alongside the support of his former teammates, will help shine an important light on the realities faced by so many people living with neurological conditions.

“We are proud to be part of an event that not only supports our work, but also demonstrates how sport can bring communities together, inspire resilience and create opportunities for the next generation through grassroots basketball.”

The celebration will gather former teammates, coaches, and local partners for a day dedicated to the sport, featuring:

• A youth basketball camp
• Inclusive skills sessions and basketball workshops
• A special guest talk from Mike Martin
• An exhibition match, pitching the 2006 England bronze medal winners against a Coaches Select team

For Mike and his old teammates, the day is about far more than looking back at a past sporting triumph. It serves as a celebration of the legacy left by a generation that shaped the landscape of UK basketball, while proving that sport can provide a sense of belonging and confidence through life’s most difficult chapters.

The gathering commemorates the 20th anniversary of England’s bronze medal victory at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, a milestone that remains widely celebrated as a pivotal moment for British basketball.

Find out more about the charity basketball event here.

Get the latest news around the city region here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.