Steven Gerrard has launched a charitable foundation to help disadvantaged children – and picked two Merseyside charities as its first beneficiaries.
The England and Liverpool FC star, who grew up on the Bluebell Estate, in Huyton, visited chosen charities Claire House hospice and Fairbridge Merseyside for the launch of the Steven Gerrard Foundation (SGF).
The foundation will work with the Consortium for Street Children (CSC) to provide grants to good causes nationally and internationally – but will have a particular focus in Liverpool.
The SGF says it aims “to provide relief to children and young people in need, whether through illness, family breakdown, disability, involvement in the streets, financial or educational disadvantage”.
Gerrard said: "I am delighted to launch this Foundation. The money raised will help give thousands of disadvantaged children a brighter future here in the UK and beyond. I am looking forward to working with SGF's partners and helping make a lasting difference to children's lives."
He said he enjoyed seeing “the smiles on the kids’ faces” and that it was “fantastic” to see their reactions.
He added: “There’s a big pleasure in giving something back to my city. I’ve been to different organizations in Liverpool that are in desperate need of money and I feel I’m in a position where I can raise a lot.
“I think if you’re a footballer and you’ve enjoyed the kind of success that I have, the least you can do is give that back to people who need it.”
He said: “I want my children to get involved in the Foundation as part of their education. I want them to see there are people in this city who are struggling, who have major problems, who need help. My attitude is that it’s never too late. You can always turn things round. But we need to help these kids realize that.”
Fairbridge Merseyside manager Jayne Wilson said: “Steven is a real inspiration for young people, and was an absolute star on his visit. With his background, he can really engage with youngsters and he encouraged them to focus on education and the idea of respect. We are delighted that Fairbridge Merseyside is one of the first charities he has chosen to support.”
Yvonne Cave, area fundraiser at Claire House hospice, said: “Steven Gerrard has lifted the spirits of everyone here at Claire House, the excitement he generates is palpable. He was very hands on chatting to the children and keen to see what went on here at Claire House. He was very impressed, as were we with him.”
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