The MMMF held it’s annual fundraising dinner on Friday 11th November at the Manchester Suite at MUFC, Old Trafford, Manchester.

Our MC for the evening, The Voice of Old Trafford, Alan Keegan, hosted a fantastic night for everyone attending.

Pat Burns, the MMMF Chairman, opened the evening with welcome, thanks and introductions. He reviewed the work of the charity over the last 12 months and spoke of our increasing stature and standing within the Manchester United community. Pat also provided feedback from the charities we support, showing just what it means to the organisations and moving forwards how this will now include Derian House in Chorley.

He also introduced our new Honorary President, Brian Kidd and our newest Patrons, John Aston Jnr and Nick Cox, Director of the Manchester United Academy, who were all attending the dinner. They received a tumultuous reception.

260 guests enjoyed a fantastic evening of food, wine, laughter, music, auctions, a raffle, plus dancing in what can only be described as fantastic company in the splendid surroundings of our spiritual home.

MUFC were superbly represented by club senior officials and club ambassador Albert Morgan along with the Manchester United Foundation CEO John Shiels and we were also thrilled to have Paddy Crerand with us too.

3 members of the 1968 European Cup winning team together in the room. Fantastic.

The AFMUP were also in attendance, represented by former players Alan Gowling, Jimmy Elms and Alan Wardle, and Pat made a special presentation to them of the Munich ribbons from the 2022 fans wreath laid in February at Manchesterplatz Trudering Munich.

Our thanks and appreciation go to the following Busby Babes families, who were strongly represented:

• Harry Gregg: Daughter Linda, Son in law Keith, Grand-daugher Aislinn and Grandson Danny (MMMF member)
• Tommy Taylor: Nephew Mick Taylor and Great niece Katrina Waller
• Jimmy Murphy: Grandson Paul (MMMF member)
• Tom Curry: Grand-daughter Liz Esser
• Eddie Colman: Long time family friends Bill and Eddie Speakman
• Dennis Viollet: Wife Barbara and daughter Debbie
• Albert Scanlon: Son Greg
• Roger Byrne: Daughter in law Gill

Sadly the families of Sir Matt Busby, Mark Jones, Jackie Blanchflower, Bert Whalley, Johnny Berry, David Pegg and Willie Satinoff were unable to join us this year due to other commitments. We hope they can join us next time.

Pat also read out a message from Rosemary Blakeley (nee Cheverton) and her husband Ron, who sadly couldn’t be with us this year but wanted to wish everyone a wonderful evening.

Instead of speeches, this year we opted for a musical interlude with the wonderful Pete Martin who gave us a brilliant medley of United songs and 60s classics, which went down a storm.

We were also thrilled to have Tracey Malone sing The Flowers of Manchester in person.

The draw for the two people, adult and child, to represent all United fans and take part in next year’s ceremony in Munich with us was done by Alan Keegan and Brian Kidd and the successful applicant is Peter Miller and his Grandson Zane from Michigan USA. Our congratulations, we look forward to seeing you in Munich next February.

Sally and her Sonic Waves then topped off the evening with a superb performance with guests dancing into the wee small hours.

Over the course of the evening, through both our open room and closed bid table auctions, plus the raffle and book sales, we raised the magnificent sum of £15,000.00, which was way beyond anything we had hoped for.

Below is a small selection photos from the evening (more will follow plus videos, including the Munich Fans Representative’s draw and the AFMUP presentation of Munich Ribbons).

We would like to thank everyone for coming out to support us, for donating some truly excellent auction prizes, and helping us continue to support children’s charities in Manchester, Munich and Belgrade in the memory of our beloved Busby Babes.

The videos below are by Paul Moore Photography12 (https://www.instagram.com/paulmoorephotography12). His official photos from the night will be posted shortly