Spartans Community Football Academy were given a boost on Thursday evening when their Fundraising Dinner at the city’s Prestonfield House generated over £200,000 to help continue delivering projects in the North Edinburgh area.
Guests including football stars Jamie Redknapp, Scott Brown, Liam Henderson and former Scotland captain Chris Paterson were amongst those who enjoyed a night of comedy and inspirational stories at the annual showcase event.
Edinburgh Fringe favourite Jason Byrne was on hand for the second year in succession to entertain over 400 attendees who dug deep to raise the six-figure sum.
There was also an additional boost for the Edinburgh Sick Kids too, as Liam Henderson, now at Celtic FC, donated his Hibernian FC Scottish Cup Final winning jersey which was scooped up for a whopping £7,000.
After the mayhem of Byrne’s audience interaction that had tears of laughter filling the room, Academy Trustee Allan Fraser brought proceedings to a hush as he introduced a short film showcasing the work carried out in the community that contributes towards change people’s lives.
Former Scottish rugby legend Andy Nicol used his persuasive skills within the auction, which included a winning bid from Scott Brown to spend time on the golf course with Jamie Redknapp.
It was Redknapp Snr, together with Joe Jordan who offered the final piece of entertainment on a spectacular night for the Charity. Their Q&A with Radio Scotland’s voice of football Richard Gordon included tales from their decades of involvement in the beautiful game.
It was only left to compere Gordon to close with news that a new record total of £205,000 had been raised on the night.
A Client Manager with an independent invoice financier firm during the day. Outside the office I volunteer as Media Manager across the Spartans FC family. Political hopeful. Broken / Retired Prop who played rugby for Scotland in his prime...
