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Last night at Hotel Football, Manchester United fans were treated to a truly unforgettable evening as two of the club’s greatest captains — Steve Bruce and Bryan Robson — took to the stage for an incredible night of stories, laughter, nostalgia and pure United magic. ❤️🖤 From the moment guests arrived and made their way into the iconic Supporters Bar, the atmosphere was electric. The room buzzed with anticipation as lifelong fans, families and football lovers gathered for what proved to be one of the most memorable Superstar Speakers events yet. ⭐Chemistry on Stage: A Trio Made for Storytelling The moment the lights dimmed and host Alan Keegan welcomed the legends onto the stage, it was clear the chemistry between the three was something special. Alan — the Voice of Old Trafford — guided the conversation perfectly, setting up brilliant stories while the two captains bounced off each other with humour, respect and years of shared history. 🤝🔥 It felt like watching old friends reunite… because that’s exactly what it was. As both Bruce and Robson mentioned, they haven’t done anything like this together in a very long time — and the crowd absolutely loved every second. 📸 Platinum & Gold Ticket Experiences Fans who purchased Gold and Platinum tickets had the chance to capture the ultimate keepsake — a professional photo with the legends, printed on the night for them to take home. The smiles in those photos said it all! 😄📷 Platinum guests enjoyed an extra level of exclusivity, including: ✔️ Autographs from both Bruce & Robson ✔️ The ability to bring shirts and memorabilia to be personally signed ✔️ Priority seating and premium access For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment to meet two of the greatest captains in Manchester United history. 🍽️ A Night of Food, Wine & Football Stories Guests were served a delicious meal, and every table was loaded with complimentary wine 🍷 making the night feel even more special. Conversations flowed, glasses clinked, and fans shared their favourite memories of the legends appearing on stage. The mix of incredible hospitality, great food and drinking with fellow supporters created a warm, vibrant atmosphere throughout the night — the perfect setting for two icons to take fans back through the golden years of Manchester United. ❤️ A Truly Special Event From the Supporters Bar to the final standing ovation, the entire night felt like a celebration of football, friendship and unforgettable memories. Bruce and Robson held the audience from start to finish — funny, honest, emotional and absolutely brilliant. Another Superstar Speakers event that fans will be talking about for years to come. 📍 Want to see more legends live? 🎟️ Tickets are available now at: www.superstarspeakers.co.uk Don’t miss your chance to be part of nights just like this! #SuperstarSpeakers #ManchesterUnited #MUFC #SteveBruce #BryanRobson #CaptainMarvel #OldTrafford #ManUtdLegends #FootballEvents #HotelFootball #SupportersBar #FootballFans #RedDevils #UnitedLegends #FootballDinner #VIPExperience #MeetTheLegends #FootballReunion #IconicCaptains #UnitedHeroes #MemoriesForever #EventOfTheYear #ManchesterEvents #ManUtdFamily ❤️⚽️🍷

Sunday evening was one to remember as we had the privilege of welcoming back Hall of Fame boxing legend Nigel Benn  for an exclusive signing session at the Superstar Speakers Framing Workshop. It’s always an honour to spend time with “The Dark Destroyer,” and catching up with him in person is something truly special. Nigel is heading back home to Australia in just a couple of days, so having him with us before his flight made the occasion even more meaningful. Despite his busy schedule, he took the time to sit down and sign a fantastic range of memorabilia for Superstar Speakers — including photos, shirts, and gloves , all of which capture iconic moments from his incredible career. During the session, we had the chance to chat with Nigel about his journey — from his early years in the army , where he built the discipline and toughness that would later define him, to his unforgettable boxing career , filled with legendary battles and world-title glory. As always, Nigel’s stories were full of honesty, humour, and the raw passion that made him one of Britain’s most loved fighters. We’re delighted to announce that all signed items from this exclusive session are now available to purchase online at Superstar Speakers . Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a collector, or simply want a piece of sporting history, this is a rare opportunity to own memorabilia personally signed by one of boxing’s true greats. Be sure to check out the collection — once they’re gone, they’re gone!

There are some nights that stick with you — and Belfast just had one of those. Fans from near and far gathered for an evening that can only be described as unforgettable, as seven Liverpool Legends took to the stage to share stories, laughs and memories from their incredible careers. Seven Legends, One Stage The lineup was nothing short of spectacular. Liverpool heroes Bruce Grobbelaar, Ronnie Whelan, Steve McMahon, Peter Beardsley, Gary Gillespie, Ray Houghton and Jan Molby **—**each a giant in the club’s history—came together for a night of football nostalgia and brilliant storytelling. From dressing room banter to career-defining matches, the stage was alive with charisma and charm. Top-Class Venue and Atmosphere The venue set the perfect tone for the evening. Stylish, spacious and packed with passionate fans, it created the ideal backdrop for such a special event. The staff were outstanding too—welcoming, organised and friendly, helping the night run smoothly from start to finish. A Minor Delay… But Worth the Wait Although the event experienced a slight delay, spirits remained high. And in true professional style, the legends more than made up for it. They stayed longer on stage, shared extra stories, answered more questions and gave the audience real value for their patience. The connection between the players and the fans was effortless and genuine. Huge Thanks to Everyone Involved Events like this don’t happen without a lot of behind-the-scenes effort. A big thank you goes out to the organisers, staff, production teams and of course, every fan who attended and helped create such a memorable atmosphere. More Liverpool Legends Coming Soon! The best part? This is only the beginning. More Liverpool legends are already lined up for future events, and if you don’t want to miss out, now’s the time to grab your tickets. 🎟️ Tickets available now at: www.superstarspeakers.co.uk

What a night it was! Over 400 boxing fans gathered at Cardiff City Football Club  for an unforgettable evening with one of Britain’s greatest sporting legends — Joe Calzaghe . Known as “The Pride of Wales” , Joe Calzaghe’s remarkable career needs little introduction. With an unbeaten record of 46 wins from 46 fights , he remains one of the most decorated and respected champions in boxing history. From his reign as WBO super-middleweight champion  for over a decade to his legendary victories against the likes of Chris Eubank, Jeff Lacy, Mikkel Kessler, and Bernard Hopkins , Joe’s journey has inspired fans around the world. The evening was filled with stories, laughter, and insight as Joe shared behind-the-scenes tales from his glittering career — from his early days in the gym with his father Enzo, to the nights he made history in front of roaring crowds. The audience was captivated throughout, hanging on every word from a true sporting icon. Fans also had the chance to meet Joe in person , pose for photos , and get their boxing gloves and memorabilia signed , making it a night to remember for everyone who attended. A huge thank you goes to all the wonderful staff at Cardiff City Football Club  and the Superstar Speakers team  who worked tirelessly to ensure the night ran smoothly. Their professionalism and energy helped create a brilliant atmosphere that truly celebrated the spirit of Welsh sport. If you missed out this time — don’t worry! There are more exciting events coming soon . Visit our website to see the latest announcements and upcoming shows with sporting legends from across the world. 👉 Stay tuned and don’t miss your chance to meet your heroes in person!

What a night it was at the Crowne Plaza Chester , as fans gathered for an incredible evening with none other than Liverpool legend Ian Rush . The event was a true celebration of football history, passion, and nostalgia – and it didn’t disappoint! From the moment the doors opened, there was a real buzz in the air. Supporters of all ages came together to share their love for Liverpool FC and to meet one of the club’s all-time greats. Guests had the unique opportunity to meet Ian Rush in person , grab photos and autographs , and even share a few words with the legendary striker himself. The live interview  was a real highlight of the night – full of fascinating stories, humour, and insight from Rushie’s incredible career. He spoke about his time at Anfield, his experiences playing under iconic managers, and some unforgettable moments that defined an era. Fans were completely captivated from start to finish. The Crowne Plaza Chester  proved to be the perfect venue – elegant, comfortable, and ideally suited for such a prestigious event. The atmosphere was relaxed yet electric, with every table full of smiles, laughter, and pure admiration for the man who scored over 300 goals for Liverpool. The evening has already received amazing reviews  from those who attended, praising everything from the organisation and hospitality to the chance to get up close with a true footballing hero. And the excitement doesn’t stop there! The Crowne Plaza Chester has a line-up of more fantastic events  on the way, featuring more Liverpool legends  and superstar speakers . It’s a must for any Reds fan who wants to relive the glory days and hear the untold stories straight from the icons themselves. If you missed this one – don’t worry. Keep an eye out for the upcoming events at the Crowne Plaza Chester and make sure you’re there for the next unforgettable evening celebrating Liverpool’s rich footballing history.

What a fantastic evening it was at the Crowne Plaza in Nottingham , where fans were treated to something truly special — the reunion of two Forest greats who lit up the City Ground in the 1990s. The event brought together Bryan Roy and Stan Collymore , the iconic centre-forward partnership that terrorised Premier League defences some 30 years ago. For Forest supporters, seeing them share the stage again was a nostalgic trip back to one of the club’s most exciting eras. A Lethal Partnership of the 90s Back in the mid-90s, few strike partnerships in English football were as feared as Roy and Collymore. Their mix of pace, power, flair, and finishing ability made Nottingham Forest a force to be reckoned with. Together, they struck fear into defenders up and down the country and gave fans countless memories to cherish. Legends Reunited On this special evening, the pair met fans, signed autographs, posed for photos, and then took to the stage to reflect on their time in football. Supporters were treated to candid insights into their careers — both the highs and the challenges — along with behind-the-scenes stories that only legends of the game could tell. A Perfect Venue for a Memorable Night The Crowne Plaza  proved the perfect setting, offering an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere where fans could get up close and personal with two icons of Forest’s proud history. The evening flowed seamlessly, blending nostalgia with humour, passion, and reflection. An Evening That Will Stay With Fans For those who attended, it wasn’t just about reliving memories of goals and glory from the 90s. It was about celebrating the legacy of players who gave everything in the Garibaldi red and reconnecting with the spirit of Nottingham Forest. All in all, it was an unforgettable evening  — a great venue, two incredible guests, and a room full of fans united by the love of their club.

What a night to remember at The Theatre Royal, Nottingham — a sell-out crowd of over 1,000 fans gathered for an unforgettable evening celebrating the legendary Nottingham Forest side that secured back-to-back League Cup triumphs in 1989 and 1990. 35 Years On — Still Unforgettable More than three decades since those historic victories, the heroes of that iconic era reunited under one roof, and the atmosphere was electric from the moment the doors opened. Fans — young and old — poured into the theatre, relishing the rare opportunity to meet their idols face-to-face for photos and memories that will last a lifetime. A Star-Studded Line-Up The stage was graced by true Forest royalty: the club’s greatest-ever captain, Stuart Pearce, alongside fellow legends Des Walker, Franz Carr, Steve Sutton, Nigel Jemson, Neil Webb, and Steve Chettle. This was not just a celebration — it was a homecoming. An Evening of Laughter, Passion, and Nostalgia As the clock struck 8, the theatre erupted into a chorus of Mull of Kintyre , a stirring prelude that echoed through the auditorium. Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for — the legends took to the stage. Host and MC Jed Stone kicked off part one with a series of expertly crafted questions, drawing out hilarious, heartfelt, and often surprising stories from the players. The laughter was loud, the applause even louder, as memories came flooding back and the chemistry between the former teammates lit up the room. The Crowd Takes the Mic In part two, the audience took center stage with a Q&A session that showcased the passion and knowledge of Forest’s faithful. The legends didn’t hold back, offering candid insights, emotional reflections, and plenty more moments of humour that kept the crowd hanging on every word. M A Standing Ovation for the Ages As the curtain closed, the heroes stood together one last time — to a standing ovation that shook the rafters. It was a fitting tribute to a team that not only made history but continues to inspire generation after generation. Did You Miss It? Don’t Miss Out Again The demand was incredible — and with such an overwhelming response, plans are already in motion for a second event in the New Year. If you weren’t lucky enough to attend this time, don’t make the same mistake twice. Sign up now. Be part of the next unforgettable night. Because once a legend, always a legend.

What a way to wrap up an amazing few days in Scotland! The Bryan Robson UK & Ireland Tour recently concluded its Scottish leg with sold-out shows and unforgettable memories in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen  – and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From start to finish, the passion, energy, and love from Scottish football fans have been nothing short of incredible. Every night, we were reminded of the lasting impact Bryan Robson has had on the beautiful game – and how much he continues to inspire supporters of all ages. Thank You, Scotland 🙌 To every single person who came out to support the tour – thank you. Your enthusiasm and support made each night feel truly special. Whether you’ve followed Bryan Robson’s career since his early days or you’re a newer fan learning about the legends of football, your presence made all the difference. Special thanks go out to the fans in Edinburgh , who helped us kick things off with style, the passionate crowd in Glasgow  who brought electric energy, and the warm welcome we received in Aberdeen , rounding off this leg on a perfect note. Behind the Scenes – The Team That Made It Happen None of this would have been possible without our brilliant team behind the scenes. From our hardworking event staff and venue crews to the production team ensuring every detail was spot on – your efforts don’t go unnoticed. We also want to express our deepest thanks to Alan Keegan , the voice of Old Trafford, for hosting with class and charisma every step of the way. And of course, a massive thank you to Bryan Robson  – a true legend of the game, and a genuine gentleman who continues to inspire generations of fans. Haven’t Seen the Show Yet? If you missed out on the Scottish dates, don’t worry – the tour continues! There’s still time to experience an unforgettable evening with Captain Marvel  himself. 🎟️ Book your tickets now  at: www.superstarspeakers.co.uk/tickets Join us for an evening of football stories, laughs, behind-the-scenes insights, and a chance to get up close with one of football’s greatest icons. #ThankYouScotland #BryanRobsonTour #UKFootballEvents #ScotlandLovesFootball #EveningWithBryanRobson #ManchesterUnitedLegend #CaptainMarvel #SuperstarSpeakers #FootballMemories #AlanKeegan #FootballIcons #TourHighlights #FanExperience #RedDevils #FootballStoriesLive #AberdeenEvents #GlasgowEvents #EdinburghEvents #LiveFootballTour #LegendsOfTheGame #SoccerLegends #SupportTheLegends #FootballNightOut #UnmissableEvent #FootballFansUnite

Football fans, mark your calendars! On Wednesday, 9th July , the historic Theatre Royal in Nottingham City Centre  will play host to an unforgettable evening celebrating one of Nottingham Forest’s greatest achievements — the back-to-back League Cup victories of 1989 and 1990 . This exclusive reunion event  will bring together legendary players including Stuart Pearce, Des Walker, Nigel Jemson , and many more, as they reflect on the glory days that still echo through the hearts of fans. Expect stories, laughter, and unique insights from the men who made history on the pitch. What You Need to Know 🎟️ Ticket Collection All tickets will be available for collection on the day  of the event from the Theatre Royal Box Office . Your allocated seat number  will be printed on the ticket. 🕕 Entry Times by Ticket Type: • Platinum Tickets  – Entry from 6:00 PM • Gold Tickets  – Entry from 6:30 PM Both ticket types include a pre-show photo opportunity with the legends. • General Admission  – Entry between 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 📅 Show Schedule • 8:00 PM  – Part One • 9:00 PM  – Interval • 9:20 PM  – Part Two • 10:20 PM  – Event Ends 👔 Dress Code Smart casual  attire is encouraged. 🎉 What to Expect With over 1,000 fans in attendance , you can look forward to an electric atmosphere. This isn’t just an event — it’s a celebration of footballing history, pride, and community. ♿ Access & Enquiries For access requirements or additional questions, please contact the Theatre Royal : Box Office Hours • Monday & Tuesday: Closed • Wednesday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM and one hour before a performance Contact Details • Phone: 0115 989 5555 • Email: trch.boxoffice@nottinghamcity.gov.uk We can’t wait to welcome you to this special night. Join us as we relive the magic, the memories, and the monumental moments that defined an era of Nottingham Forest greatness. #ForestLegends #LeagueCupReunion #NottinghamEvents

Date:  Saturday, 4th October 2025 Time:  6:00 PM – 11:00 PM Venue:  Chester Crowne Plaza Hotel Dress Code:  Smart Casual Football fans, mark your calendars – this is one event you won’t want to miss. This October, step into the world of passion, pride, and Premier League history as Everton icon Duncan Ferguson  headlines what promises to be an unforgettable evening at the stunning Chester Crowne Plaza Hotel . The Legend Himself: Duncan “Big Dunc” Ferguson Few players have ever embodied the heart and soul of a football club like Duncan Ferguson. Towering, fearless, and fiercely loyal, Big Dunc carved his name into Everton folklore with his explosive style, thunderous headers, and deep connection to the Goodison faithful. Widely regarded as the hardest player to ever grace the Premier League , Ferguson’s legacy goes far beyond stats – he’s a symbol of true passion for the badge, the fans, and the beautiful game itself. Meet the Man Behind the Myth This exclusive evening gives fans a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the Everton great. Gold and Platinum ticket holders  will enjoy a professional photo opportunity  with Duncan, plus the chance to grab an autograph and share a moment with one of football’s most iconic figures. A Live Two-Part Interview – Stories You Won’t Hear Anywhere Else The main event features a two-part live interview  where Ferguson will open up about his legendary career – from his days at Ibrox to his unforgettable time in royal blue. Expect powerful stories, emotional moments, and plenty of laughs as he reflects on the highs, the battles, and what it meant to be Everton through and through. In part two , the mic is handed over to the audience for a live Q&A – your chance to ask the questions you’ve always wanted answered by the man himself. 🕰️ Full Event Agenda: • 6:00 PM  – Doors open | Guest check-in & bar access • 6:30 PM  – Photo session with Duncan Ferguson (Gold & Platinum tickets only) • 7:45 PM  – Part One: Live on-stage interview begins • 8:45 PM  – Interval & Exclusive Auction • 9:30 PM  – Part Two: Audience Q&A • 10:30 PM  – Prize Draw • 10:45 PM  – Event concludes • 11:00 PM  – Suggested carriages More Than Just a Night Out – A Celebration of Football Passion With a buzzing atmosphere, legendary stories, an exclusive auction, and the chance to win incredible prizes, this night is about more than football – it’s about the shared love of the game and the heroes who define it. Whether you’re a lifelong Blue or simply a fan of the sport, this promises to be a night of nostalgia, inspiration, and connection . 🎟️ Tickets are limited and demand is expected to be high – secure yours now and be part of an unforgettable evening with Big Dunc. On sale here now https://www.superstarspeakers.co.uk/event-details/an-evening-with-everton-legend-duncan-ferguson-chester-4th-october-2025

Next year marks the 35th anniversary  of one of Manchester United’s most significant victories – the unforgettable night in Rotterdam where Sir Alex Ferguson’s men defeated Barcelona to lift the 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup . It was more than just a trophy—it was the spark that ignited an era of dominance. The final, held on May 15, 1991, saw a determined Manchester United side take on Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona, a team packed with talent. But United’s grit, passion, and teamwork shone through. Mark Hughes , with his two brilliant goals, etched his name into club folklore. Players like Bryan Robson , Steve Bruce , Paul Ince , Clayton Blackmore , and Les Sealey  delivered standout performances on the night, showing Europe what Manchester United was made of. That night wasn’t just about lifting silverware—it marked a turning point. For Sir Alex Ferguson, this was his first European triumph  with United, and it served as a catalyst for the decades of success that followed . The belief, momentum, and winning mentality that came from that victory paved the way for countless Premier League titles, FA Cups, and the historic 1999 treble. To celebrate this monumental milestone, we’re thrilled to host a very special anniversary event  in Manchester at Hotel Football . This once-in-a-lifetime evening will bring together legends from the 1991 squad —heroes who were on the pitch that historic night. The event will take place on the 26th March 2025. Fans will have the incredible opportunity to: • Meet the legends in person • Get autographs and professional photographs • Attend a live interview  as the players recount stories from the final and the road to victory This is more than just an event— it’s a celebration of a pivotal moment in Manchester United history , shared with the players who made it happen. Tickets are selling fast , so don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable night. Book now via the link below: https://www.superstarspeakers.co.uk/event-details/an-evening-with-the-1991-european-cup-winners-cup-winners In the build-up to the event, we sat down with Manchester United icon Bryan Robson , who shared his memories of that legendary final. His reflections on the atmosphere, the preparation, and what it meant for the team are not to be missed. Watch the exclusive interview here: https://youtu.be/6BHEsePLfZc?si=80-_iBm1swQi_uhg And the excitement doesn’t stop there – we have more events lined up with Manchester United legends  throughout the year. Check out all our upcoming dates and venues here: www.superstarspeakers.co.uk/tickets Join us as we honour the past, celebrate the present, and keep the red flag flying high.

An evening with Lord Ian Botham 5 Dates and locations to choose from 9th June - Scunthorpe 12th June - Lincoln 13th June - York 20th June - Stoke 21st June - Manchester Treat Dad and Grandad to meet Lord Ian Botham. Get your gift tickets for the show below. What to expect? Check our last An evening with Lord Ian Botham below Note- some tour dates are theatre settings An evening with Lord Ian Botham Get tickets for An evening with Lord Ian Botham Legends don’t come much bigger than Sir Ian Botham. An icon of English sport and culture – there has never been a bigger personality with a zest for life as much as beefy! Whether it’s being a ‘big match player’ for England Cricket (so much so the 1981 Ashes are referred to as Botham’s Ashes), whether its playing football in the 4th division whilst captaining the England Cricket team, raising Millions of pounds for Leukaemia charities with his ever impressive and gruelling walks which in turn earned him a knighthood. He has gone on to become the president of Bloodwise (a blood cancer charity) has a life peerage in the House of Lords, a thriving wine business and has even been inducted into the ICC cricket hall of fame. Here are a list of reasons that we love The Right Honourable The Lord Botham Kt OBE or Beefy to his friends 1. Sporting Legend England consistently provides the world with sporting icons. Names such as Sir Henry Cooper, David Beckham, Kevin Keegan, Frank Bruno, Linford Christie, Daly Thompson and Nick Faldo. Ian Botham can comfortably include his name on that list of English sporting heroes. Whilst Botham is a natural sportsman who still is very active with his golf, shooting and angling. It was Cricket where Beefy truly made his name Botham’s Cricketing career lasted from 1972 to 1993 and in that time his record stands at over 5000 runs, including 14 centuries, took 383 wickets, and 120 catches, He was also the fastest to the double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets. He is possibly the finest all-rounder that English cricket has ever seen It was the 1981 Ashes series that solidified Beefy as one of the nation’s heroes – a genuine match winner whether he was batting or bowling. The Ashes was his finest hour. England went 1-0 down in the series after the first two tests and needed a hero. Botham had been removed as captain and the weight seemingly lifted from his shoulders went back to doing what he did best, winning cricket matches. England won the series 3–1 despite being 1–0 down after the first two Tests. Before the third Test at Headingly, the inspirational Mike Brearley was reinstated as England captain, replacing Ian Botham, whose 12-Test tenure as captain had been winless and whose previously excellent form with both bat and ball had fallen away (he had made a pair in the second Test at Lord's). A galvanised Botham took 6 for 95 in Australia's first innings and scored 50 in England's, but Australia nonetheless compiled 401 for 9 declared (John Dyson scoring 102) and bowled England out for 174, thus forcing England to follow on 227 runs in arrears. Despite a stubborn 46 from Geoff Boycott, in the second innings Botham came to the crease with England on 105 for 5, still requiring 122 runs to avoid an innings defeat. He played an outstanding innings of 149 not out, sharing partnerships of 117 with Graham Dilley for the eighth wicket, 67 with Chris Old for the ninth and 37 with Bob Willis for the tenth, to set Australia a target of 130. Australia then reached 56 for 1, seemingly well set, before Brearley switched Willis' bowling end to allow him to bowl down the slope. Willis bowled a superb spell of 8 for 43 to dismiss Australia for 111; England became only the second team in Test Match history to win a match after being made to follow-on. The fourth Test at Edgbaston was a similarly inspired comeback victory for England. England conceded a 69-run first innings deficit, and set Australia a target of only 151 in the fourth innings. Australia reached 105 for 4 before Botham took five for 11, including a spell of five wickets for a solitary run, to end Australia's second innings at 121 and give England victory by 29 runs England also went on to win the fifth Test at Old Trafford to retain the Ashes, including another century for Botham (who reached his hundred in 86 balls). Botham scored 118 from 102 balls, dominating a chalk-and-cheese partnership of 149 with Chris Tavaré, who blocked his way to 78 from 289 balls. Botham's innings included 6 sixes, which was an Ashes record until Ben Stokes's innings of 135 at Headingly in the 2019 Ashes series. Second-innings centuries from Allan Border and Graham Yallop could not avert defeat. The sixth Test at the Oval was drawn, with Dennis Lillee taking 11 wickets in the match and Botham taking 10. 2. Charity work and walking As with most things in life it was chance that lead to the next chapter in Ian Botham’s life. In 1977 an accident on the cricket field lead to a broken toe and a bit of time in hospital. It was during this spell Sir Ian Botham was first made aware of the realities of children suffering with leukaemia “It was shattering news for me,” Botham explains. “I simply couldn’t take in what I was hearing.” Giving £50 for the annual party on the ward was a start, yet Botham knew that more could be done. “Over the years, the seed that was planted that day grew and grew.” Botham discovered more about the disease – a cancer which starts in blood-forming tissue – and knew that he could put his public status to good use in raising funds for the cause. In 1985 Botham set himself a challenge to walk from John O’Groats to Lands End to raise money and awareness of this horrific disease and aiming to make £100,000. With the publicity and the nations love of Botham he was £10,000 over his target by the time he had reached the Scottish Border, he still had all of England to go! By the time he reached Land’s End (and Jumped into the sea) he had quadrupled his original target and raised £400,000. A fuse was lit under Botham and the British public fell in love with him even more – This meant Botham simply HAD to continue walking and raising money. Beefy’s walks continued throughout the 80s, 90s, 2000s and 2010s – challenging himself to walk various different routes and in different countries with his most recent ones taking place in Sri Lanka, South Africa and Australia. Perhaps his most famous challenge was in 1988 when he replicated Hannibal’s trek across the alps! For all of his efforts Botham has raised over £25 million pounds for childhood Leukaemia charities and in the 4 decades since Botham started walking for charity the survival rate of Childhood Leukaemia was 20% it now sits at 85% and rising It all started from a broken toe 3. Knighthood and Lifetime Peerage In 2007 Ian Botham became Sir Ian Botham as he was knighted by the queen for services to cricket and charity. Sir Ian said of the honour As a patriotic Englishman, nothing compares with having my work recognised by Her Majesty the Queen and it’s an honour and an occasion that I’ll never forget. It eclipsed great events in my life like my first Test match, Ashes victories and even Headingley 1981. I was particularly pleased that my work for Leukaemia research had been recognised and though the award was made to ‘Sir Beefy’, I accepted it on behalf of the countless people who have helped me over the years in the fight against that terrible disease. The knighthood won’t make any difference to who I am and the way I am, but I will always treasure the honour bestowed on me and I hope the publicity and prestige that goes with it will help us to raise even more money for the fight against Leukaemia that is my life’s work.” In 2020 Sir Ian became Lord Botham with his lifetime peerage and has become the UK’s trade envoy to Australia. To sum up Lord Botham is a difficult task – he played 4th division football for Scunthorpe while representing England at centre back. He is a hero of the Ashes in 1981, a hard partier, a respected baron and trade envoy, a tireless charity campaigner, a regular commentator on Sky sports and team captain on question of sport, a golfer, angler, grouse shooter and now has his own brand of wine! In short – there is only one Beefy and he has lived a full and inspirational life that inspires the nation, regardless of their background An evening with Lord Ian Botham 5 Dates and locations to choose from 9th June - Scunthorpe 12th June - Lincoln 13th June - York 20th June - Stoke 21st June - Manchester