Event for the 96 to leave long-lasting legacy
Margaret Aspinall, chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, joined Robbie Fowler and Jan Molby on a trip to learn how funds raised by the 'Celebration of the 96' event are helping to make a difference.
The trio attended a Liverpool FC Foundation-run coaching session at Anfield Sports and Community Centre, where some of the proceeds raised by the match, which took place on Easter Monday, are being invested.
More than 45,000 people attended Anfield on April 21, in order to celebrate the lives of the 96 Liverpool supporters who died at Hillsborough. At the request of the HFSG, all proceeds raised were divided equally between the HFSG and the Liverpool FC Foundation.
The day was planned by the HFSG with support from the club and featured a showpiece match between local Liverpool legends and international Reds heroes, played out in front of the Kop.
Kenny Dalglish, who managed the local legends, and Molby, joined Fowler and LFC Foundation's head of operations, Mark Haig, on the Anfield pitch at half-time during the win over Swansea City on Tuesday to thank supporters for their support.
The list of legends involved in the charity match, which was supported by the club's official credit card partner MBNA, included Ian Rush, Fowler, Jamie Redknapp, John Barnes, Dietmar Hamann, Luis Garcia and Gerard Houllier, who managed the international team.
A Liverpool FC Foundation session on the pitch prior to kick-off with local youngsters included the first team, Academy and Ladies players. Celebrities such as Clare Balding and Russell Howard also took part in a half-time penalty shootout against the club's official mascot, Mighty Red.
Margaret Aspinall said: "On behalf of the entire Hillsborough Family Support Group, I would like to thank everyone who supported, attended or watched the 'Celebration of the 96' event, particularly the former players who gave up their time so generously to make the event happen.
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"It was such a glorious day which brought people of all ages together at Anfield for a celebration in honour of the 96. The event was testament to our fantastic fans and our great city, which has supported us for the past 25 years and continues to do so.
"Our decision to share the proceeds with LFC's Foundation ensured that vital funds were also put back into the local community to support future generations, which is very important to us."
Mark Haig added: "I would like to thank the HFSG for generously sharing the proceeds raised from the charity match with the foundation.
"The donation will help us continue to inspire positive change and build better futures for thousands of young people and adults in local communities both at home and abroad."