The total sum that Barry Bannan has raised following his charity event has been confirmed.
Barry Bannan was named as The Children’s Hospital Charity’s new ambassador in January and went onto organise his first fundraising event at Mercure St Paul’s Hotel & Spa earlier this month.
The event saw a number of fans in attendance for a three-course meal, music from Jon McClure of Reverend and the Makers, as well as Q&As with a number of current and former Sheffield Wednesday players – hosted by Steve Bracknall.
Dominic Iorfa, Josh Windass, Liam Palmer, Cameron Dawson, Callum Paterson, Michael Smith and Will Vaulks were all present to show their support for the Owls captain, while Danny Rohl even made a surprise appearance on stage, cheered onto the tune of ‘Daddy Cool’ by Boney M.
Bannan was heavily praised for his contribution after the event, with journalist Joe Crann writing on X: “I’m not being overly dramatic when I say that the event that @SheffChildrens and @bazzabannan25 put on tonight was love affirming… One of those nights that reminds you how much bigger than the game a football club is. Everyone involved is an absolute credit to #SWFC.”
The veteran has now received even more praise after it was revealed that Bannan’s charity event had raised over £75,000, with over £40,000 being raked in on the night.
Following the news, Bannan said: ““I’m overwhelmed to have raised over £75,000 for The Children’s Hospital Charity.
“The Sunday was an unforgettable night and being in the room with all the fans and supporters was something I will cherish. To host that and help to raise such an incredible total means so much. I’ve seen the impact Sheffield Children’s has in this city and to support that with my Sheffield Wednesday family is brilliant.”
Rob Gurruchaga, the Development Officer and event organiser, said, “We at the Charity are so grateful to everyone who made Sunday possible. To raise £75,000 is incredible and it’s a testament to everyone who attended. Thank you so much to Jon McClure, Steve Bracknall, Pete McKee, the Mercure, the Wednesday Team, our Charity volunteers, and every single Sheffield Wednesday fan who contributed to the amazing fundraising total.
“Of course, we want to give an extra special thank you to Barry Bannan, our Charity ambassador. His support was instrumental to this event and will help to change lives at Sheffield Children’s.”
Barry Bannan is a brilliant example to the Owls squad
The success of Barry Bannan’s fundraiser shows just how brilliant of a person he is on and off the pitch, and the perfect example of who we want to be leading the team out on a match-day.
It wasn’t just him though, a large number of the squad also checked into the Mercure, proving the team’s brilliant relationship and closeness, as they look to cheer each other on away from football.
Bannan is a huge credit to Sheffield Wednesday and his commitment to the community shows just how settled he is here, as he approaches his tenth season at Hillsborough.