A number of Merseyside celebrities will unite this weekend to raise money for families directly affected by the attack in Southport on July 29, 2024. The charity match was first held last year at Southport FC's stadium for a day of hope and healing for the community.
Event returns for second year
The match was a success and will be staged again this Saturday (August 1) as figures from the world of sport, music and television join forces. The ECHO was in attendance last year as a moving minute's silence was held in remembrance of Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe, who lost their lives in the attack.
The silence was followed by a sustained round of applause that powerfully encapsulated the remembrance and unity at the heart of the occasion. Actor James Nelson-Joyce and boxer Liam Smith were among the names to take to the pitch at Haig Avenue as they played out a match that finished 5-3.
Participants speak ahead of kick off
They will once again take to the pitch this Saturday for the 3pm kick off. Actor James spoke to the ECHO ahead of the kick off as he said the important meaning of the occasion was at the forefront of everyone's mind. The 37-year-old said: "What these families have gone through, I couldn't put into words. It is the stuff of nightmares so if I can use a bit of my time to raise awareness, bring a bit of joy to local people and help out to raise money, then why wouldn't I?"
Middleweight boxer Liam Smith was in agreement as he said: "It's a privilege and a pleasure for me to be here. I hope everyone gets behind it because it's a great foundation. It's a tragic incident that we're doing it for. We'd rather not have to be doing it for this but it's happened and anything we can do towards it will help."
Lineup includes sporting and TV stars
John Aldridge, Tony Bellew, Molly McCann and Stephen Warnock are some of the other names listed for the match on Southport FC's Instagram channel. Announcing the game last month, a post said: "Incredible cause." It added: "The Southport Charity Match, a day that brings our community together. Returns to Haig Avenue on Saturday 1st August with sporting stars, local legends and familiar faces for an unforgettable afternoon of football and entertainment. Join us and be part of something special."
Social media personality Ryan Hall and stars from the cast of G'wed, Philip S McGuinness and Dylan Thomas Smith, have also been confirmed for the line up. The match will kick off at 3pm on Saturday, August 1 and tickets can be purchased from the Southport FC website.
