Manchester Remembers have managed to raise over a whopping £35,000 thanks to this year’s charity football match. Incredible stuff.
The charity match set up to raise money for organisations supporting the families of the Manchester Arena victims has now become an annual occurrence and following the 2023 exhibition back in May, those who participated as either a player or a spectator helped bring in over £35k in donations.
Playing at Oldham Athletic‘s Boundary Park stadium in front of thousands of Mancunians and high-spirited spectators cheering on the Celebs and the Legends in equal measure, the game might have ended 7-5 to the ex-pros, but the real winner on the day was Manchester without a doubt.
The two men behind setting up the event, Aaron Lee and Paul Corrigan, shared this update with their followers on Thursday, 22 June, showing their immense total of £35,184.14 in funds raised. A moment to be proud of.
£3️⃣5️⃣, 1️⃣8️⃣4️⃣.1️⃣4️⃣ !!! 🐝
THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FOUR POUNDS #Thankyou to all that came along and supported this years event. We are so proud to be building something special.
— The McrRemembers Foundation™️⚽️🐝 (@McrRemembers) June 22, 2023
All told, with this year’s tally tacked on, Manchester Remembers has now raised well over £110k for charities associated with the 2017 Arena tragedy in just a few short years.
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Speaking to The Manc, co-founder Aaron Lee said: “Myself and Paul would like to say a huge thank you to each and every person that helped bring the event to life. There are too many people to name individually but you all know who you are. To be able to hand over such a huge sum of money makes us really proud and we know the charities will use it to continue supporting young people to achieve their dreams in music, sports and the arts.”
We are always blown away by how Mancs come together in times of struggle but to see our city and the surrounding Greater Manchester area continuing to offer their support for causes like this year after year is a testament to how this community always look after their own.
With sporting legends like Danny Simpson, Ricky Hatton, Wes Brown and more turning up to have a kickabout, not to mention celebrities like Jason Manford, Lloyd Griffiths, Danny Miller and countless others, the word really is getting out about this game.
With a growing reputation, numerous famous faces showing up each and every year and the cause being as special and important as ever, we guarantee the 2024 Manchester Remembers charity match will be even bigger — just make sure you’re there.
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Big up every single one of you who attended or simply donated on the day and it goes without saying that wholeheartedly recommend grabbing yourself a ticket for next year.
Featured Image — Manchester Remembers (via Twitter)
News
Kyle Walker announces retirement from international football with England at 35
Danny Jones
Former Manchester City star and England defender has announced his retirement from international football at 35 years old.
He calls it a day for his country with nearly a century of appearances.
Kyle Walker, who has won six Premier Leagues, four Carabao trophies, a pair of FA Cups and a Champions League title with Man City, made his national team debut back in 2011.
Now, nearly a full decade and a half later, he is hanging up his boots on the biggest stage, retiring as England’s most capped right back in history.
As you can see, he confirmed the news in a highlight video looking back on her best moments with the Three Lions.
Sharing a lengthy and emotional statement in the caption, the Yorkshireman wrote: “After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey. Every roar from the fans pushed the team along, and I’m looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup.”
His last appearance in an England shirt came in June against Senegal, since dropping out of manager Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice team and future plans, with both form and age no doubt being factored into that decision.
Walker added: “The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.”
96 caps 🧢 Five major tournaments 🏴 A #ThreeLions legend ⭐
He went on to sign off by saying, “I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special, and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them.”
The Sheffield-born fullback left Manchester last year following a loan spell at AC Milan, before joining fellow Premier League side Burnley FC permanently this past July.
Meanwhile, the Clarets are staring down relegation back to the Championship; however, this step will no doubt help Walker prolong his club career, whether or not he stays in Lancashire.
Where does Walker rank among the all-time England defenders in your mind?
Featured Images — Oleg Bkhambri (via Wikimedia Commons)/England (screenshot via YouTube)
News
New proposals to transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads revealed
Emily Sergeant
New proposals which could transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads have been unveiled.
Oldham Road is one the key routes into the city centre, and sees upwards of 26,000 journeys a day via a combination of car, bike, and public transport, according to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), but these new plans are set to improve journey times, safer crossings, protected cycleways, better connections, and boost sustainability.
“We know that things can be better,” TfGM said in a statement unveiling the proposals this week, adding that change is needed.
In the last five years alone, there have been 36 collisions on Oldham Road between Great Ancoats Street and Queens Road, with seven serious injuries caused as a result, which is why Council believes, with a number of targeted improvements, the road can be made better for everyone.
New proposals to transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads have been revealed / Credit: TfGM
When asked during the last consultation, hundreds of locals said what they wanted buses to come more often and be more reliable, safer places to cross the road, wider pavements for walking, and better-protected cycle lanes.
As part of the unveiled plans – which are currently out for consultation too – TfGM and the Council is proposing adding more bus lanes so buses don’t get stuck in traffic, as well making bus stops nicer with better places to wait, and building more cycle lanes that are separate from cars.
Proposals also include changing traffic lights to help people cross the road, and fixing busy junctions so they’re easier and safer to cross.
Proposals are aiming to make the road safer, better-connected, and more sustainable / Credit: TfGM
“Improving everyday journeys is a priority, and the proposals for Oldham Road are central to this,” commented Alison Chew, who is TfGM’s Interim Director of Bus.
“Through the Bee Network, we’re creating a joined-up, safer and more affordable transport system for Greater Manchester, reducing congestion for everyone and connecting people with places and opportunities.
“These plans aim to make bus stops safer and easier to use, improve the speed and reliability of bus services, and provide better walking and cycling routes with upgraded crossings and footpaths.
“As Manchester city centre continues to grow, improving the way people can move easily around the city is a major driver for change. We know that things can be better.”
You can have your say on the proposals on the Council website here.
Danny Jones -
23rd June 2023 
