Kevin Beattie Foundation: Supporting the Football Community and Honouring Legends

The Kevin Beattie Foundation, an independent Ipswich-based charity named in honour of the club’s greatest-ever player, continues to make a powerful impact in both football and the wider community.

Recently, in association with HALO ITSM, the Foundation raised thousands of pounds in support of the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation and Ipswich cult hero Marcus Stewart, who is courageously battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Now, attention turns to another major cause – honouring the late Jeff Astle at The Hawthorns.

From Portman Road to Goodison: A Unique Fundraising Journey

In May, the Foundation organised one of its most unique events yet – a pub crawl from Ipswich to Liverpool, finishing at Goodison Park for the Ipswich Town v Everton match.

Travelling by train, the team stopped at Doncaster, Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool, visiting over ten pubs in each city to raise awareness of MND and collect donations. Along the way they also visited iconic football grounds and were supported by former professionals who kindly donated memorabilia for charity auctions.

The football family rallied together, with support from the likes of Chris Kirkland, Alan Kennedy, and Jamie Carragher. Each stop brought camaraderie, shared stories, and vital fundraising, all of which contributed to the remarkable total of £3,287.70 raised.

Community Spirit at the Red Lion Fundraiser

Following the journey, the Foundation hosted a community funday at the Red Lion on Bramford Road, Ipswich.

The event included:

• A giant raffle and charity auction
• Live music and family activities
• A special tribute to Marcus Stewart

A giant Marcus Stewart flag, life-size cut-out, and a fan message book filled with heartfelt notes were later sent to Marcus as a reminder of the love and support from the Ipswich community.

Special thanks also went to Ed Lay, drummer of The Editors and a passionate Town fan, who donated a prize for the auction.

Foundation organiser Malcolm Thompson said:

“We were blown away by the generosity of the public and the brilliant support from regulars at the Red Lion. HALO ITSM played a massive part in making all this happen, and we truly couldn’t have done it without them.”

Up Next: “A Night to Remember Jeff Astle”

There’s no pause for the Foundation, as preparations are already underway for the next major event:

📅 Sunday, 26th April 2026
📍 The Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion

The night will honour the legendary Jeff Astle, one of the most feared strikers of his generation, and raise funds for the Jeff Astle Foundation, which campaigns for greater research and support into head injuries and dementia in sport.

The event promises to be a moving celebration of Jeff’s life, featuring tributes, appearances from former players, and fundraising activities.

Malcolm Thompson added:

“The fact we are independent from the Football Club, to be asked to support this event is an honour. Jeff Astle was a giant of the game, and we’re proud to play a part in remembering him in such a meaningful way.”

How You Can Support

The Kevin Beattie Foundation is currently seeking:

• Supporters to attend the Jeff Astle event
• Event sponsors for the evening
• Ongoing backing from local businesses to continue its wider work

As an independent charity, the Foundation relies on the generosity of supporters and sponsors to make these events possible.

👉 To get involved, please contact:

📧 malcolm@kevinbeattiefoundation.co.uk
🌐 www.kevinbeattiefoundation.co.uk
🐦 Twitter/X: @kevinbeattiefo1