Up to 400 Reds turned out to support the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF) on Friday 20 October.
Marking 65 years since the Munich Air Disaster of 1958, Old Trafford welcomed MMMF members in the Manchester Suite for its annual charity dinner and raised £40,388 for charity partners.
The MMMF is dedicated to honouring the legacy of the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, which claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight Manchester United players and three officials.
The annual gala dinner is just one of many services and ceremonies on the events calendar dedicated to recognising the tragic events of 6 February 1958 and is backed by Reds across the world.
Among the esteemed guests on Friday were representatives of the Busby, Murphy, Curry, Gregg, Edwards, Taylor, Scanlon, Blanchflower and Viollet families, Manchester United officials and former players, as well as MMMF Honorary President Brian Kidd and patron Nick Cox. Plus, UK charity representatives from Derian House, Francies House and Depaul.
The MMMF is dedicated to honouring the legacy of the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, which claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight Manchester United players and three officials.
The annual gala dinner is just one of many services and ceremonies on the events calendar dedicated to recognising the tragic events of 6 February 1958 and is backed by Reds across the world.
Among the esteemed guests on Friday were representatives of the Busby, Murphy, Curry, Gregg, Edwards, Taylor, Scanlon, Blanchflower and Viollet families, Manchester United officials and former players, as well as MMMF Honorary President Brian Kidd and patron Nick Cox. Plus, UK charity representatives from Derian House, Francies House and Depaul.
Hear from Alan Keegan, Denis Irwin and Rick McGagh in our video of the fundraising event.
Ribbons collected from the MMMF wreath laid at the memorial in Manchesterplatz were ceremoniously presented to Betty Cooksey, cousin of the late great Duncan Edwards, as a tribute to the Busby babes.
A fantastic evening of entertainment, including a silent auction, raffle and live music by Sonic Waves, the gala dinner closed with
A fantastic evening of entertainment, including a silent auction, raffle and live music by Sonic Waves, the gala dinner closed with
“The Fan’s Representative”draw, with two United fans (one under 18) selected to attend the 66th supporter-led memorial service in Munich in 2024.
Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement, Manchester United said:
“It’s always a privilege to be a part of the MMMF annual dinner which honours the memory of the 23 people who lost their lives in the Munich Air Disaster.
“The evening is testament to the rich heritage of our Club and the steadfast dedication of our supporters. On behalf of Manchester United, I would like to thank the MMMF committee, and everyone who came tonight, for their hard work and incredible support. The money raised will make a real difference to the charities in Manchester, Munich and Belgrade and we look forward to continuing our support of MMMF.”
The event took place just hours before Sir Bobby Charlton passed away and Ifty Peter Ahmed, MMMF Chairman, said this week:
“The MMMF is deeply saddened to hear of Sir Bobby’s passing, the only remaining member of the 1958 Busby babes involved in the Munich tragedy. He was a true legend of Manchester United and a giant in the world of football. We offer our sincere condolences to Sir Bobby’s family and friends. The MMMF will continue to preserve and enhance the legacy of the Busby Babes.”
Reflecting on the fundraising event, Ifty said: “We had a record number of guests attending and raised a phenomenal £40,388. We’d like to thank all the guests who attended, particular the families of the Busby Babes, all the trustees and members of the MMMF for their dedication and hard work in bringing this dinner together and to thank everybody who supported the event. We will now continue with our preparations for the February memorial service in Munich.”
All photography provided by David Featherstone.