Member Article

Swinton Insurance chief helps raise over £250,000 for disadvantaged young people

Swinton Insurance boss Ian Donaldson helped to raise more than £250,000 in just one night to support disadvantaged young people find education and employment opportunities.

The figure was raised during the inaugural Football For Change gala dinner - organised by public relations executive Daniel Hughes to support the social mobility initiative, which launched in May this year and is chaired by Mr Donaldson.

Mr Donaldson, who helped found Football For Change, said: “This is a powerful collaboration between business leaders and superstars who have come together to change the lives of young people.

“We have raised an incredible amount of money which will be used to help disadvantaged youngsters into education and training, which will help them realise their full potential. I could not be more proud.

“We have a lot more to do - this is just the beginning for Football For Change.”

Football For Change was launched by Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Conor Coady and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher alongside a host of the North West’s top business leaders.

The foundation, sponsored by Swinton Insurance, held its inaugural gala dinner at the Titanic Hotel on November 13 to raise funds for disadvantaged young people who find themselves devoid of opportunities in education and employment.

And a host of superstars were out in force in Liverpool for the dinner - led by Sir Rod Stewart - in support of the major charitable movement.

Westlife star Nicky Byrne played host for the evening against the backdrop of an incredible stage set up, while Pixie Lott and M People’s Heather Small entertained guests in a star-studded room alongside the likes of Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Celtic devotee Sir Rod Stewart and Reds legend Jamie Carragher - who all took part in an hugely engaging ‘in conversation’ hosted by the comedian Russell Howard.

Sir Rod Stewart treated guests to an acoustic version of ‘Have I Told You Lately’ and serenaded a member of the audience with a rendition of ‘Maggie May’ after she bid £19,000 for a private meeting with him at a show next year.

Guests in the room included people such as Carol Vorderman, Jim White, Sammy Lee and Sue Johnson while TV favourite Matt Lucas hosted a poignant video with disadvantaged young people from across Merseyside speaking on the film about their hardship as Football For Change gets set to change lives.

As part of glittering evening, which raised over £250,000 to aid community organisations supporting school leavers who are struggling for employment and education opportunities by giving them training and funding chances to continue their academic journey, an auction took place with completely mind-blowing prizes.

Dua Lipa, Daniel Craig, Conor McGregor and Ed Sheeran were just four of global superstars who came together in support of Football For Change by donating exclusive money-can’t-buy items to the auction in order to raise funds.

Icons such as Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller plus Robbie Williams, Westlife and Ronnie O’Sullivan also donated some incredible prizes alongside Carragher, Alexander-Arnold, Lucas Moura, Fabinho, Carragher and Robbie Fowler - all of whom are involved in the charitable initiative alongside a number of other football stars and business leaders.

Public relations executive Dan Hughes, who helped pull the event together, said: “I am massively proud of what we achieved at the first Football For Change gala. Bringing Sir Rod Stewart to Liverpool to support this initiative has been mindblowing. It is something we’ve kept under wraps for a very long time and only told Jamie the other players at the very last minute! The reaction in the room was fantastic.

“Pixie Lott, Westlife’s Nicky Byrne, Russell Howard, Heather Small, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and of course Jamie Carragher played a huge part in making the night a success. The support from people like Matt Lucas and Carol Voderman has been great too. Trent, who is away on England duty, did a lot to make his event happen in his home city too. Everyone involved could not be more proud.”

Businesses including Liveprool’s DAM Health, Legacie Developments, MJ Quinn, Sedulo, Carpenters, Dental Cafe and Everkool were sponsors of the event.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Miller .