Speaking on The Anfield Wrap podcast’s Weekender programme this morning (17/04/20), Steve Rotheram launched an appeal for Liverpool fans around the world to support the LCR Cares charity, which is supporting community and voluntary organisations helping local communities cope with the impact of coronavirus.

Steve Rotheram said:

“Next weekend, Liverpool FC would have been playing Burnley at home and our city region would have been buzzing with fans, both local and from further afield, enjoying themselves and putting money into our local economy.

“Obviously the pandemic has put paid to that but our local communities are still here and more in need of support than ever. I’d like to ask any fans who would have been coming to take a moment to make a donation to our LCR Cares Fund, which is supporting our community heroes.

“We know these are tough times for us all, but just the cost of a pie and a pint would make a huge difference in helping those organisations continue to support our most vulnerable people.

“As Jurgen Klopp said, football is the most important of the least important things, and the coronavirus reminds us of our shared humanity, so this is just part of a wider call to everyone, red or blue, football fan or not, to come together in solidarity to help those most in need.”

LCR Cares was launched by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram in partnership with registered charity Community Foundation for Merseyside to support local community and voluntary organisations on the frontline of helping the city region’s communities cope with the impact of Coronavirus.

In a little over two weeks, the Fund, which had a target of £1 million, has raised more than £500,000 and given out nearly £250,000 to more than 50 community organisations across all six of the Liverpool City Region’s districts.

Details on how to donate are on the Combined Authority’s website. Search “LCRCares” or visit www.lcrcares.co.uk

Community organisations can apply for grants by visiting: www.cfmerseyside.org.uk

LCRCares is a crowdfunding campaign to raise £1million to support community and voluntary organisations on the frontline of helping the city region’s communities cope with the impact of Coronavirus.