Sailors’ Children’s Society is proud to announce Corendon Airlines as the Headline Sponsor for the 2025 Sports Lunch, the region’s biggest charity business event that will take place this week on Friday, 10 October.
The sell-out fundraiser, taking place in Hull, will bring together over 720 business leaders from across the Humber and beyond for an event vital to fundraising for seafaring families in crisis.
The Sports Lunch has become a flagship event for Sailors’ Children’s Society, raising record-breaking sums year on year. In 2024, the event generated over £100,000, funding essentials such as food, heating, school uniforms, and longer-term support for children and families from seafaring backgrounds experiencing financial and emotional hardship.
This year’s event will feature footballing legend John Barnes MBE as the headline speaker. Widely regarded as one of the greatest left-wingers of his generation, Barnes’ career spanned Liverpool, Newcastle United, and 79 England caps, and he is set to share inspiring stories from his time on and off the pitch.
Tickets for the event are already completely sold out, reflecting the outstanding commitment of the region’s business community to stand alongside seafaring families in need. Events like the Sports Lunch ensure the charity can continue to support families across the country.
The 2025 Sports Lunch is also supported by Main Sponsors: Pettitts Travel, Williamsons Solicitors, Beerhouse, and East Coast Construction and Associate Sponsors: CATi Security, Pemec, Virgin Money, James Legal, Garness Jones, Streets Accountants, and All Vision.
Natasha Barley, CEO of Sailors’ Children’s Society, said:
“With the fantastic support of Corendon as our Headline Sponsor, we can raise the vital funds that change lives for the families we serve. The generosity of Corendon and the business community is incredible. Together, we can help children not just survive but thrive.
“Each year, the Society supports hundreds of children from seafaring families across the UK who are experiencing bereavement, trauma, or financial crisis. Over 500 children are currently on our support scheme, and we simply could not help them without the funding raised at events like the Sports Lunch.
“From monthly grants to school uniform and winter clothing support, the charity helps to provide stability, dignity, and hope when families need it most.”
Matthew Carpenter, UK Country Manager for Corendon, added:
“At Corendon, we believe in more than just reaching destinations; we believe in supporting the journeys of those who build our world. We are honoured to sponsor the Sailors’ Children’s Society Sports Lunch because helping the children of seafarers opens doors to education, opportunity, and brighter tomorrows. Together, we can make waves of change.”
