A group of former footballers from Bamber Bridge who call themselves the ‘Fat Dads’ get together every year to just catch up and celebrate Christmas. Each year they also raise money and choose a local charity or good cause to support.  This year they chose Key Unlocking Futures.

‘Magic Key’ is an ambitious corporate Christmas fundraising campaign asking businesses or groups to donate to Key Unlocking Futures.

The campaign aims to raise much-needed funds for the charity, so they can continue helping and supporting young people experiencing homelessness throughout the festive period and beyond.

Demand for Key’s drop-in service which helps those aged between 16-25 years experiencing homelessness is always high but currently exacerbated post covid and during the cost-of-living crisis. 

The Fat Dads have raised a whopping £700, and this will help with supporting Key’s services including Drop-In where they provide food, clothing, and showering facilities for young people. Key’s drop-in service offers a safe place for young people to drop into where they can receive advice, support and genuine help from Key’s staff, who will listen without judgement to help them get back on their feet.

Fat Dads are pictured in their Christmas jumpers having a bit of fun.  Their spokesman John Aspey said,

‘Each year the lads and me get together to celebrate Christmas.  We know just how fortunate we are as a group and so like to give back to local charities each year.  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’

Jayne Allison, Key’s Business Development Manager said,

‘When John rang me to say they wanted to donate £700 I couldn’t believe it.  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 and with huge hearts.  Thank you all’