NewsChanging lives in Anne Williams' name

Anne’s son Kevin was 15 when he lost his life at Hillsborough.

From that tragic April afternoon in 1989 through to her final days, she battled with all her being to uncover the truth about what happened to him.

In the years since Anne’s passing in 2013, a unique golf day held lovingly in her name has raised vast amounts to support charities in the region.

And this afternoon, the 12th instalment of the event will unfold at Huyton & Prescot Golf Club, where players and sponsors will look to lend a hand to a ‘special’ local group.

“This year’s charity is Sefton Baby Baskets,” said Ste Martin, one of four organisers of the Anne Williams Memorial Golf Day.

“We have a due diligence when we select our charities – and not only did ‘Baby Baskets’ tick the boxes we have, they ticked boxes we never knew existed.”

Founded in Crosby two years ago, the organisation – led by generous volunteers – acts as a ‘baby bank’.

Families struggling to provide for a new baby receive a Moses basket containing essentials for the first three months such as clothes, nappies, sleep bags, toiletries and toys.

In the first half of 2022 alone, more than 160 families were given vital support.

“The charity is so small and yet they do such an amazing job,” said Ste. “They’re so humble and they’re just everything we want to support. We’re so happy we can help them in this way.

“They’re volunteers; they get up out of their bed to make a difference; they’re the people we want to associate ourselves with.

“We’ll never support a mainstream charity because they don’t need our money. We go to day-to-day people who make a massive difference in their communities.

“Whatever money we get, it goes to these amazing charities. If it’s a fiver, or however much people want to donate, every penny makes a massive difference because of the size of these charities.

“Our job has been to become fundraisers in our city in memory of Anne. Beyond Hillsborough, Anne’s legacy is to support charities in Liverpool.”

The golf day has grown from humble beginnings into a cherished tradition.

Around noon today, a towering flag bearing the image of Anne – Liverpool’s Iron Lady – will be hoisted high, while participants mill about below.

Some will be aiming for glory; others will be going along for the ride.

Everyone will have counted down the days.

Everyone will be proud beyond words to unite behind the cause.

“The event was created by four organisers – Andy Hudson, Sean O’Reilly-Doyle, Gareth Penman and myself,” explains Ste. “We wanted to do something nice to remember Anne’s legacy.

“The first year, we had 28 players, second-hand trophies and boxes of balls. Where we’ve come to today is beyond what anyone could have imagined.

“We have supporters all around the world; we have backing from professional golfers like Tyrrell Hatton. Wayne Scholes is our ambassador for the day.

“We have support from all across the UK; from the most prestigious golf courses in the land, to the fella who threw a fiver in on PayPal.”

World-renowned golfer and Liverpool fan Hatton has long supported the event.

In the wake of the Reds’ 2019 Champions League win, he donated a wedge engraved with the dates of our six European Cup triumphs, as well as the locations of each victory.

He sent another message of solidarity to this year’s participants: “Following the success of last year’s event, I’m delighted to continue supporting the efforts in memory of Anne and the incredible charities championed each year.

“I’m confident you’ll have another fantastic day. To show our support, we’ve sent some items your way. Enjoy the day, and best of luck to all the participants.”

Stay tuned to Liverpoolfc.com and LFC’s social media accounts to watch a short film of the event soon.

To donate to the Anne Williams Memorial Golf Day fund, go here.