Bamber Bridge ‘Fat Dads’ raise funds for young homeless people

Waitrose's Kerry and Key's Ursula — Kerry from Waitrose (left) receiving her Key from Ursula Patten, Key’s Operation’s Director

A group of former footballers from Bamber Bridge who call themselves the ‘Fat Dads’ have raised £700 for charity.

The group, who get together every year to celebrate Christmas and raise money for their chosen charity, this year chose Magic Key.

Waitrose in Walton-le-Dale also donated £750 to the campaign, which aims to raise much-needed funds for Key Unlocking Futures to continue supporting young people experiencing homelessness.

Demand for Key’s drop-in service, which helps those aged between 16 and 25 years experiencing homelessness, is always high.

The reasons people become homeless are often extremely complex, but some known reasons young people have disclosed to Key’s support workers include poor mental health, poverty, addiction, disability, sexual orientation, and domestic abuse.

Many young people have told Key they feel safer on the streets than at home.

The Fat Dads group in their Christmas jumpers

Ursula Patten, Key’s Operations Director, said: “We are very grateful to Waitrose and the former footballer’s group Fat Dads for their kind and generous donation. Without donations like these, we quite simply couldn’t support as many people as we do.

“Last year we supported 344 young people, and with the current cost of living crisis, this is affecting many families and is driving up the demand for our services. We want to help as many people as we possibly can and would be grateful to any business that is willing to support Key’s work.”

John Aspey, a member of the Fat Dads group, said: “Each year, the lads and I get together to celebrate Christmas. We know just how fortunate we are as a group and so like to give back to charities.

“It’s the local charities who need the money most, and we are happy we can support Key Unlocking Futures, who do amazing work, particularly for young people in our area.”

Jayne Allison, Key’s Business Development Manager, added: “We are so thankful to this amazing group of dads for supporting Key’s Magic Key campaign.

“Some of them are even planning to support our annual sponsored sleepout in May next year. This just shows what a great group of dads they are, with huge hearts. Thank you all.”

Key Unlocking Futures are seeking local businesses to sponsor them so they can continue to support young people in Lancashire with a safe roof over their heads, food, clothing, and showering facilities.

For more information, visit the Key Unlocking Futures website.