The Sailors’ Children’s Society Sports Lunch 2025 has raised a record-breaking £105,000 after costs, making it the charity’s biggest fundraising event of the year and its largest total to date.
The sold-out event, held in Hull, brought together over 720 business leaders from across the Humber region and beyond, with a waiting list of more than 30 tables – firmly cementing its reputation as the region’s largest charity business lunch.
Guests were treated to an afternoon of entertainment, fundraising, and inspiration, with football legend John Barnes MBE as the headline speaker, sharing stories from his glittering career with Liverpool, Newcastle, and England.
This year’s standout raffle prizes included a Rolex Datejust 41, kindly supported by Hugh Rice.
The winner of the Rolex was Neil from The Premier Paint Shop, who attended as a guest of East Coast Construction.
“I was completely shocked to win!” said Neil. “It’s been a fantastic day, and amazing to see so much money being raised for such a brilliant cause. You can really feel the passion and purpose behind the event.”
Mike Rice, Chairman of Hugh Rice Jewellers, added:
“Following the diamond giveaway for Ladies Lunch earlier this year, it only felt right to continue that level of excitement by supporting the Sports Lunch with a Rolex prize. As an official Rolex retailer, it made perfect sense – and we’re proud to play a small part in helping raise such an incredible total for the charity.”
The Sports Lunch is more than just an event – it’s the single largest financial contributor to the charity’s annual income. The £105,000 raised will go directly toward supporting over 500 children from seafaring families across the UK who are facing financial and emotional crisis. The funds will provide essentials such as food, heating, school uniforms, and emotional support, helping families find stability and hope during their toughest times.
Natasha Barley, CEO of Sailors’ Children’s Society, said:
“The strength of the business community in this city is absolutely phenomenal. It’s humbling to see so much kindness, support, and love in one room – it really is a testament to the incredible place we live and the people who make it so special.
Sports Lunch is our largest annual fundraising event, and its impact on our ability to deliver services is substantial. Every penny raised helps us continue to support families in crisis – putting food on tables, keeping homes warm, and giving children the chance to thrive. We are so lucky to have such an extraordinary and generous business community standing alongside us.”
The event’s Headline Sponsor was Corendon Airlines, with Main Sponsors including Pettits Travel, Beerhouse, Williamsons Solicitors, and East Coast Construction. Associate Sponsors were CATi Fire & Security, Pemec, Virgin Money, James Legal, Garness Jones, Streets Accountants, and All Vision.
Building on the incredible success and popularity of the Hull event, Sailors’ Children’s Society has announced that it will be launching Sports Lunch Liverpool in February 2026, held at the Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel Liverpool – a move that will extend the event’s reach and fundraising impact across the UK.
Natasha added: “With a waiting list of over 30 tables, expanding to Liverpool is the natural next step. We can’t wait to bring the same energy, generosity, and spirit that makes Hull’s Sports Lunch so special to another great maritime city.”
The Sailors’ Children’s Society provides long-term financial and emotional support to the children of seafaring families across the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, and fishing communities who are experiencing hardship, bereavement, or crisis.
For more information about the charity and its events, visit www.sailorschildren.org.uk or contact events@sailorschildren.org.uk.