Southport Veterans FC praise generosity of local community after 24 hour fundraiser

People have been thanked for showing such huge support towards a 24 hour fundraising football match in Southport which saw players aged between 60 and 90 raising money in memory of the three young girls who were killed in Southport in July. 

Between them, Southport Veterans FC scored an impressive 646 goals, with no major injuries. 

The match has already raised over £16,000, with money still coming in, and people still able to donate through their JustGiving page. 

Part of the fundraising is being done through an auction with some amazing prizes, which includes a signed and framed Virgil Van Dijk Liverpool FC shirt plus a tour of Anfield. 

The game was officially kicked off by Everton FC legend Ian Snodin and Liverpool FC legend Jim Beglin while other stars who supported the event included Alan Kennedy (Liverpool FC), Mark Wright (Liverpool FC and Southport FC) and Chris Kirkland (Liverpool FC). 

The Southport FC contingent who played included Manager Jim Bentley, Sporting Director Tammy Burgess and Assistant Manager Andy Burgess.

The match followed the tragic deaths of Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven; Bebe King, aged six, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine. 

The three girls were killed as they attended a Taylor Swift themed dance and yoga class at the Hart Space in Southport on 29th July 2024. Several other girls and adults were severely injured. 

All the money raised at the 24 hour walking football match will go towards the three primary schools attended by the girls who died: Churchtown Primary, Marshside Primary and Farnborough Road Infants. 

Event co-organiser Roger Cass said:

“What a great event that was! It was quite challenging for our worn bodies but totally fulfilling for our inner spirit.  

“We played 12, two hour sessions with just a few minor injuries and around 646 goals scored over the 24 hours.  

“We had fantastic support from Sefton Council, Dunes Leisure Centre and the three schools. 

“Head teachers turned up with a breakfast for us all consisting of croissants, doughnuts and cakes, perhaps they considered that we had burned plenty of calories through the event and could afford a little indulgence.  Let me tell you they were most welcome.

“Alan Kennedy appeared and played most of the day, Mark Wright came and supported and Chris Kirkland also spent time with us and played alongside us.  

“Ian Snodin kicked us off and had a photo session with us as well. 

“Merseyside Police turned up at 4am and provided some deserved applause and encouragement and the oncoming shift then re-appeared to spur us on too later in the morning.  “It was a great community togetherness and it was a rewarding experience for us all.” 

Event co-organiser Steven Thompson said:

“It was an unbelievable event, far exceeding my expectations and so heartwarming to see the community pulling together.” 

The game was sponsored by local businesses including Dowhigh and KC Workwear and Sportswear. 

A Public Auction was held for some of the more valuable items that were donated with prizes including Chris De Burgh meet and greet VIP tickets, a signed Liverpool FC first team shirt 2024/25, a Tommy Fleetwood signed shirt, Wigan FC tickets and hospitality package and more. 

You can still support the Southport Veterans fundraiser here.

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