Liverpool FC legend Sir Kenny Dalglish celebrates his 70th birthday today – and to honour the occasion, the Dalglish family has set up the 7Appeal, which will raise funds to support young families in the city who urgently require baby basics.

The appeal will, appropriately, start today and run until the end of the month. It is a collaborative effort between the club, Red Neighbours and the Dalglish family, with LFC Foundation facilitating fundraising.

Sir Kenny said: “While many other worthwhile causes have been supported during the last 12 months there is still a lot of support needed for young families, particularly pre-school aged children and babies.

“The essentials you need for a new baby and young kids are expensive and with many suffering job losses as a result of the pandemic, it has made it near-impossible for these families. I want to use my birthday to launch the 7Appeal and help as many families as possible.”

The pandemic has seen many young families struggle to afford the basics for small children. Beneficiaries of the 7Appeal will include the Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, and the local foodbank pantries who are part of the Red Neighbours community network.

Donations from the 7Appeal will go towards purchasing the following items:

  • Baby bathing and changing bundles
  • Baby and toddler food
  • Cots, mattresses and bedding
  • Baby and toddler safety equipment
  • Playmats and sensory toys

Kate Davis, head of fundraising at Liverpool’s Women’s Hospital, said: “Families in the area are in desperate need of additional support to care for their young families. We’re incredibly grateful to the 7Appeal, LFC Foundation and Dalglish family for supporting our efforts with much-needed donations.”

So, why the 7Appeal name?

Well, Sir Kenny signed for the club in 1977, netted his first goal in seven minutes on his league debut, and famously wore the No.7 shirt.

Want to donate? Please head to justgiving.com/campaign/SKD7.