John Barnes Sportsman’s Dinner in Southport unveils VIP sponsorship package

29th September 2021
Liverpool FC and England legend John Barnes.

Liverpool FC, Watford and England legend John Barnes will be the guest speaker at a Sportsman’s Dinner this October – and a new VIP sponsorship package has just been launched for the event.

The dinner takes place at the stylish Bliss Hotel in Southport on Thursday, 28th October to raise money for the Make A Change For Ben campaign.

The evening aims to raise funds and to pay tribute to the inspiration for the group, Ben Smith-Crallan, who died after falling into the lake at Botanic Gardens in Churchtown in Southport in June 2018. Ben was just 37 years old when he died.

Organisers want to raise as much money as possible to ensure the cleaning of the lake, the provision of water aeration fountains and safety railings along the water’s edge.

The Sportsman’s Dinner is being organised by Ben’s cousin, Lucy Smith-Crallan.

The VIP Sponsorship package includes:

  • Meet and greet with John Barnes at a Private Pre drinks reception with your table guests, first drink included.

  • Photo opportunities with John Barnes, and use of your company backdrop is optional and provided by yourself.

  • Table of 8 including John as your guest

  • Two bottles of house red and white wine (or beers to the same value if preferred)

  • Three course meal, live auction

  • Company logo and mentions on all promotional material and press including social media, prior to, on the night and post event.

  • Verbal credits throughout the evening.

The cost of the VIP Sponsorship package is £2,000.

The Sportsman’s Dinner with John Barnes is being organised by Ben’s cousin, Lucy Smith-Crallan.

She said: “We really want this to be not only a fundraising event but also a night to remember Ben, who would have loved to be there

“Let’s remember this cause can help prevent this from ever happening again.

“No family should have to go through losing someone so unnecessarily.

“If everyone could share news of this Sportsman’s Dinner, please do so.”

Guests will be able to enjoy a three course meal, with a raffle and an auction on the night, with tickets £70 each. Tables of 8 will be discounted to £500 per table.

For tickets please call Lucy on: 07811391320 or email: lucy.gsc@icloud.com

John Barnes is one of the greatest players to ever represent Liverpool. There were few finer sights in football than the mercurial winger gliding down the wing.

He signed for Liverpool in 1987 and won the league title in his first season, which included a record-equalling 29-game unbeaten run.

Success in the 1989 FA Cup final followed, and a third successive campaign of breathtaking brilliance from Barnes in 1989-90 helped secure another league title. That year, the winger top-scored with 22 league goals and was again voted FWA Player of the Year.

His England career saw him gain 79 caps with 11 goals, one of which was possibly England’s greatest ever goal – a solo effort against Brazil in the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro in June 1984. He played in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups.

John Barnes also proved himself an accomplished rapper with his efforts on the ‘Anfield Rap’ and New Order’s ‘World in Motion’.

Lucy Smith-Crallan is keen to secure any raffle or auction prizes for the Sportsman’s Dinner.

She said: “If anyone has a local business or knows anyone with one who would be able to donate a raffle prize for the sportsman’s dinner that has been arranged in order to raise funds towards the lake being cleaned I’d be hugely grateful. Whether it be a voucher for a meal, a monetary donation, a haircut or a manicure just anything would support this great cause for the future of our community and in memory of Ben.

“We are also looking for big ticket auction items for the event so if you are feeling really generous or know anyone else who may be… Please contact me.”

The Make A Change For Ben campaign was set up by Ben’s best friend David Rawsthorne and members of Ben’s family.

It has already gained over 4,000 supporters through Facebook, attracted nine celebrity supporters including Liverpool FC legend Alan Hansen, Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts and golfer Tommy Fleetwood and raised over £6,500 towards vital safety work being carried out.

  • For Sportsman’s Dinner tickets or to donate raffle prizes please call Lucy Smith-Crallan on: 07811391320 or email: lucy.gsc@icloud.com