Fans Raise £100,000

Over the past 12 months, fans have collectively have raised over £100,000. 150 guests attended the event held at St Mary's Stadium and were delighted to welcome Rickie Lambert as guest of honour to present each fundraiser with a True Saints Award.

To qualify for an award, participants had to raise a minimum of £150 and this figure was exceeded by all and in many cases tenfold. Fundraisers had taken part in a multitude of events ranging from the Saints Foundation True Saint Challenges that included the Saints Big Bike Challenge, the Great South Run, expedition to Lesotho and Saints Big Weekend.  

A number of fundraisers also sign up to their own personal challenges choosing the Saints Foundation as their charity of choice. Their events included climbing Kilimanjaro, swimming with Sharks, 50 mile bike rides, skydiving and the London Trekathon.

The evening brought together a group of people that all had a passion for Southampton Football Club and support for the Saints Foundation, and the appearance of Rickie Lambert certainty put the icing on the cake for the guests!

Katie Steele raised over £2,000 taking part in the Big Bike Challenge and tweeted: "A very enjoyable evening, it’s that kind of engagement with fans that makes me love the place, #togetherwestand."

Tina Croucher, who raised £2,500 taking part in the Charity’s Lesotho trip, tweeted: "Thank you for an amazing evening, receiving my award from Rickie Lambert was extra special! #proud"

As well as celebrating their personal achievements it also gave an opportunity for the Saints Foundation to demonstrate how their hard efforts and fundraising has supported the Charity’s work, to support disadvantaged young people and vulnerable adults in the local community. Over the past 12 months the funds have supported the following projects:

£26,000 committed to the delivery of the Saints-Ability projects that supports 150 young people and adults with disabilities each week. Click here to view Michael’s journey with the Saints Foundation.

£25,000 committed to the delivery of Saints4Sport - a project delivered in partnership with the Society of St James that supports vulnerable adults who are experience personal challenges in their lives and at risk of homelessness. Click here to view Colin’s journey with the project.

£23,500 committed to the Kickz project that supports young people specifically in East of Southampton to reduce anti-social behaviour and encourage positive life choices/decisions. Click here to view Andy’s journey with the project.

£25,000 donated to external charity partners that included Kick4Life, Naomi House, Countess Mountbatten and the Red & White Appeal.

Mark Abrahams, Head of Saints Foundation, said: "We were delighted to welcome so many guests to the event, all of whom have played a key role in the Charity’s development. 

"Without their commitment, tenacity and fundraising efforts we wouldn’t be able to support the number of young people and adults during the past 12 months. 

"The event offered a great opportunity to thank everyone and highlight where their funds have been spent and they are very much part of the Saints family!"

To view the photos from the event click here. Saints Foundation continues to offer a range of opportunities for fans and the wider community to get involved. 

If you would like further information on how you can help, or find an event the suits you, email foundation@saintsfc.co.uk or call 0845 6889370.