Vernon Kay given 'heroes welcome' at Football For Change after Children In Need

18 November 2023 , 22:08

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Vernon Kay given 'heroes welcome' at Football For Change after Children In Need

Vernon Kay was on the receiving end of a ‘heroes welcome’ as he arrived to host the third annual Football For Change gala in Manchester following his herculean achievements raising money for Children In Need.

The 49-year-old television presenter was likely still chaffing after completing an ultramarathon and raising over £5 million for the children’s charity. The star ran 116 miles from Leicester to his hometown of Bolton during the gruelling challenge and was left in tears as he reached the finish line on Friday.

When he completed the challenge, Vernon joked to radio host Zoe Ball: "I am absolutely exhausted - physically, mentally, there's nothing in the tank. But it's been unbelievable, one of the most painful and joyous experiences I've ever had. Is there anyone here who can replace a knee?"

But far from sitting down after his impressive achievement, Vernon was back on his feet on Saturday night to preside over the Football For Change gala. The event took place at Manchester’s Emirates Old Trafford stadium on Saturday night and attracted a star-studded crowd - including Coleen and Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch, Abbey Clancy, Olly Murs and Helen Flanagan.

Vernon Kay hosted the The Football For Change Gala 2023 in Manchester on Saturday night (KIERAN / SplashNews.com)

Peter Crouch was among the stars giving Vernon a 'heroes welcome' to the event (Getty Images)

A guest at the glitzy event told The Mirror: “Vernon got a heroes welcome at the football for change gala. The guests were on their feet cheering for him. He had a big welcome on the night from Jamie Carragher and Peter Crouch especially. It was very fitting for what Vernon has achieved. He’s a national treasure.”

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Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton, Coronation Street actress Lucy Fallon, Olivia and Alex Bown were also present and spotted rubbing shoulders with boxing legend Ricky Hatton. Football For Change was launched in 2021 by Liverpool FC star Trent Alexander-Arnold, Leicester City’s Conor Coady, Jamie Carragher and Real Madrid icon Jude Bellingham in a bid to provide life-changing opportunities in education, employment and sport for school leavers affected by poverty.

Coleen Rooney sparkled at the star studded fundraiser (Getty Images)

Beverley Knight was a delight in orange and took to the stage to perform (KIERAN / SplashNews.com)

Explaining how Football For Change is already making a difference across the UK, co-founder and Liverpool and England international player Trent Alexander-Arnold said: "Football For Change is about helping young people onto a positive path. It is footballers and business leaders coming together with a goal to help improve the life chances and opportunities of young people from some of the most challenged neighbourhoods in the country. It is a brilliant initiative and I know growing up in Liverpool that is needed now more than ever."

And speaking ahead of the event Peter Crouch said: “It is great that as footballers we are able to use our platforms to help young people through Football For Change. I couldn't be more proud to be involved. This major fundraising event will help us to continue some amazing work in communities that need it most.”

The fundraiser saw performances from chart-topping star Olly Murs and music icon Beverley Knight. Former X Factor contestant Olly declared that he was "buzzing" to perform at the gala before taking to the stage and performing a number of hits.

Zoe Delaney