The MMMF held it’s annual fundraising dinner on Friday 22nd October at the Manchester Suite at MUFC, Old Trafford, Manchester. Our MC for the evening, The Voice of Old Trafford, Alan Keegan, hosted a truly memorable night for everyone attending.
Pat Burns, the MMMF Chairman, opened the evening with welcome, thanks and introductions. He commented on the remarkable growth to full charity status in just 4.5 years and now hosting our dinner at our second home, which was of immense pride to everyone at the Foundation. He also paid tribute to MUFC and the coalition of six for achieving recognition for Jimmy Murphy at Old Trafford.
310 guests enjoyed a fantastic evening of food, wine, laughter, some tears, speeches, videos, 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, Manchester United Foundation CEO John Shiels MBE and with club ambassador and legend Bryan Robson.
The AFMUP were also in attendance, represented by former players Alan Gowling and Alan Wardle, plus the other groups who formed the coalition of six with us to seek recognition for Jimmy Murphy at Old Trafford.
Our thanks and appreciation go to the following Busby Babes families, who were strongly represented:
- Duncan Edwards: Cousin – Laurence Brownhill
- Harry Gregg: Daughter Jane (MMMF Patron), Son in law Keith, Grand-daugher Aislinn and Grandson Danny
- Tommy Taylor: Nephew Mick Taylor and Great niece Katrina Waller
- Mark Jones: Daughter Lynn Hargreaves and Daughter in law Susan Jones
- Jimmy Murphy: Son Nick (MMMF Patron), Grandsons Paul (MMMF) Mike and Nick Junior
- Jackie Blanchflower: Son Andy
- Tom Curry: Granddaughters Jennie Dixon and Liz Esser
- Willie Satinoff: Son Paul
- Eddie Colman: Long time family friends Johnny and Eddie Speakman
Sadly the families of Bert Whalley, Dennis Viollet, David Pegg, Albert Scanlon and Roger Byrne were unable to join us on this occasion. We hope they can join us next time.
We heard from Carly Lyes from Depaul UK homeless children’s charity in Manchester about the problems they face and how we are helping, just a little bit.
We were also thrilled to hear from Roy Cavanagh MBE, respected author on the Babes and he was joined by Tom Clare, who had travelled from the USA. Both gave a passionate insight about their memories and the legacy of The Babes.
We were also thrilled to have Tracey Malone sing The Flowers of Manchester for us. Sadly, Tracey couldn’t get home from Malta but sent us a video recording from Malta MUSC clubhouse. A truly memorable performance.
A personal video message from the chairman of Bayern Munich F.C. Karl Heinz Rummenigge went down a treat.
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 John Shiels, CEO of the Manchester United Foundation and the successful applicant is Michelle Skinner and Gabriella (aged 14) from Runcorn in Cheshire. Our congratulations, we look forward to seeing you in Munich next February.
Over the course of the evening, through both our open room and closed bid table auctions, plus the raffle, we raised a magnificent £21,365 which was way beyond anything we had hoped for.
We would like to thank everyone for coming out to support us, for donating some truly magnificent auction prizes, and helping us continue to support children’s charities in Manchester, Munich and Belgrade in the memory of our beloved Busby Babes.Â
