Merseyside Region Raises £18,000 at Record-Breaking Annual Lunch

Almost 300 diners enjoyed the Merseyside Region’s World Cup Winners Lunch at Anfield on 28 November 2025. This flagship annual fundraising event brought together supporters, rugby legends and community partners for a memorable afternoon of stories, laughter and generosity.

This year’s lunch raised an impressive £18,000 through raffles, donations and the auction, an outstanding achievement that will support Wooden Spoon’s projects for disadvantaged and disabled children across the region. Our jovial host, Bill Woolland, helped make the day truly special with humour, warmth and a genuine passion for the cause.

In what we believe was a first, the lunch featured World Cup winners from all four of England’s World Cup-winning teams. For the Q&A, guests were treated to insights and entertaining anecdotes from Gill Burns MBE (1994), Martin Johnson CBE (2003), Katy Daley-McLean MBE (2014), and Holly Aitchison (2025).

Guests also had the chance to bid on some incredible auction items, including a Formula 1 Race Day experience, a Jack Grealish signed Everton shirt, Six Nations Rugby tickets, Ken Buchanan–signed boxing gloves and a Martin Johnson 2003 replica shirt. These exceptional prizes helped drive the impressive fundraising total.

The event was further supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who gave up their time to help make the lunch such a success. Many of these volunteers are long-standing Wooden Spoon members and valued members of the Merseyside events team. Their commitment ensured a smooth, enjoyable experience for all guests, and their contribution is deeply appreciated.

Feedback from guests was overwhelmingly positive, with many saying it was the best rugby lunch they had ever attended and that they could have listened to the panel for hours. Special thanks are extended to legends Martin Johnson and Katy Daley-McLean for donating their valuable time, as well as to rising star Holly Aitchison, who attended at the request of Gill Burns.

Gill Burns, a proud member of the Merseyside Committee and Holly’s former schoolteacher, expressed great pride in her former pupil’s achievements. The popular Wooden Spoon Duckie Gifts were also a hit with attendees, adding a fun and memorable element to the day.

Events like this would not be possible without the support of volunteers. Their dedication ensures the committee can continue delivering outstanding fundraising events that change children’s lives.

Supporters are encouraged to save the date for next year’s Merseyside Annual Lunch 2026: 27 November 2026.