Football icon Robbie Fowler delights audience at first Sailors’ Children’s Society Sports Lunch Liverpool
ENTERTAINING: Robbie Fowler taking part in a Q&A at the Sailors’ Children's Society Sports Lunch Liverpool
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Football legend Robbie Fowler was a huge hit at the inaugural Sailors’ Children’s Society Sports Lunch Liverpool, helping raise thousands of pounds for the Hull-based charity.
Held at the Rum Warehouse at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool, the event has been hailed a major success after bringing together business leaders, supporters and football fans for an afternoon of fundraising, networking and entertainment.
Headlined by Liverpool FC icon Fowler, the lunch built on the long-standing success of the charity’s annual Hull events and raised more than £16,000 on the day.
Sailors’ Children’s Society supports children and families from seafaring backgrounds facing hardship.
The charity is now aiming to establish the Sports Lunch Liverpool as a regular fixture in the region’s business calendar, with future fundraising helping support a dedicated family support officer in the city.
The strong backing from the Liverpool business community also marks an important step in expanding the event into other key maritime cities across the UK.
CANDID: Football icon Fowler spoke about his upbringing and football career
United Rental Group was the headline sponsor for the event, while Beerhouse Vehicle Rental and Corendon Airlines supported as main sponsors.
Fowler – widely regarded as one of the greatest and most popular players in Liverpool FC’s history, and one of the Premier League era’s most prolific strikers – took part in a lively and light-hearted Q&A with former Radio City DJ Mark Jones.
He entertained guests with stories from his upbringing in Toxteth and his illustrious football career, while also helping drive fundraising efforts, including auctioning off a round of golf with himself at Waverley Golf Club.
Fowler chatted with guests and posed for photographs throughout the afternoon, helping make the occasion a memorable one for everyone who attended.
He said: “It’s all about raising money and awareness for a really important cause, so I was delighted to be asked to get involved.
“Liverpool has always been a city with a massive connection to the sea and the docks, and that maritime history is such a huge part of its identity and character.
SUCCESSFUL EVENT: The Sports Lunch Liverpool was held at the Rum Warehouse at the Titanic Hotel
“I understand just how important those industries have been to families across generations.
“When you hear about the work Sailors’ Children’s Society is doing to support families going through difficult times, you can see why events like this matter so much.
“This was a fantastic first event in Liverpool. Hopefully it’s the start of something that will grow year after year – not just in Liverpool but in other maritime cities as well.”
Money was raised throughout the day through an auction and raffle, but Natasha Barley, CEO of Sailors’ Children’s Society, said establishing a long-term presence in Liverpool was even more important for the charity.
She said: “The launch of our first Sports Lunch Liverpool has been a huge success and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, sponsored and supported the event.
“Bringing the Sports Lunch outside Hull for the first time is a very exciting and significant milestone in the charity’s 205-year history, and one we are immensely proud of.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Natasha Barley, CEO of Sailors’ Children’s Society, speaking at the fundraising event
“We have built something really special with our Hull lunches over recent years and we wanted to bring that same energy, profile and fundraising success to another city with a proud maritime heritage.
“Liverpool was the natural choice because of its deep historic connection with the seafaring industry and because we know there are families here who need our support.
“We want to grow the number of families we help in Liverpool by raising awareness of the work we do and building stronger partnerships with businesses and supporters in the city.
“Our work is not just about helping families survive periods of crisis or hardship – it’s about helping them rebuild their lives, regain stability and create brighter futures for their children.”
Funds raised by Sailors’ Children’s Society go directly towards supporting children whose families have worked at sea, including those in the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, fishing and offshore industries, helping families facing challenges such as bereavement, illness and financial hardship.
Founded in Hull in 1821, the charity has supported more than 50,000 children throughout its history and continues to provide financial, practical and emotional support to seafaring families across the UK.
For more information about Sailors’ Children’s Society, visit https://sailorschildren.org.uk/