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Daring Blues supporters raise £26K for Everton in the Community

Daredevil Everton supporters zip lined across Goodison Park to help raise more than £26,000 towards Everton in the Community’s vital work.

More than 220 brave fans turned out to take part in the much-loved Goodison Zip Slide on Saturday as it made its long-awaited return following the Covid pandemic.

Following a short hiatus, the Goodison Zip Slide also helped create lasting memories of The Grand Old Lady with work well underway on Everton’s new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock.

Starting at the top balcony in the main stand and ending at the Bullens Road side of the ground, the zip line flew participants over the stadium.

Among those taking part was Dylan Bannon, who was helped out of homelessness and addiction by the charity’s Home Is Where The Heart Is initiative.

Having spent months moving between B&Bs during the first national lockdown in March 2020, Dylan was put in touch with the charity and was able to take the first steps to recovery. Now, he is determined to raise awareness of the charity’s vital work.

He said: “Everton in the Community saved my life – it’s as simple as that.

“I started taking drugs socially during my early teens but, when I hit 17 or 18, it got out of hand. At the height of my addiction, I was using around £200 worth of cocaine every day – I was at rock bottom and needed help.

“At first, I was reluctant to take the help on board but I soon realised that the support I was getting was exactly what I needed. The staff genuinely care and make you feel part of a family which, for many people in my position, is crucial to recovery.

“I’m living proof that the charity’s work changes – and saves – lives, so events like the Goodison Zip Slide are so important for more people to be supported.”

Everton in the Community delivers more than 40 programmes every year, aiming to tackle issues such as crime and health, homelessness, housing and education problems.

As part of the Goodison Zip Slide, there will be live performances from the Everton in the Community Spirit Choir and face painting, with all those taking part receiving a certificate, medal, goody bag and a photograph of the experience.

Carena Duffy, Fundraising Manager at Everton in the Community, said: “The Goodison Zip Slide has always been extremely popular with Blues supporters and the wider community, so to have it back in our calendar after three years is really exciting.

“This year’s event gave supporters a fantastic opportunity to get one of the best views in the house while raising money for the charity.

“As a charity, we’re passionate about supporting local people and adapting our programmes to what is needed, especially post-pandemic, so fundraising events like this are vital in order to keep our outreach strong.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Harriet Logan .