Football legend Peter Shilton has urged gambling addicts to “reach out” for help and praised locals who raised money for the charity he founded with his wife.
Mersea residents Peter and Steph Shilton hosted a second fundraising night for their charity, Shilton’s Silverlining.
The couple held an evening of food and live entertainment at Harbour Lights Seafood Restaurant in Coles Lane, Walton, on Thursday.
The charity, which launched in May, supports people with a gambling addiction and raises awareness of the problem.
It offers a confidential brief intervention service, with advice on debt support and access to specialist therapy.
Shilton’s Silverlining also supports affected family members and provides relapse-prevention aftercare.
The event raised £5,686 for the charity’s work.
Read more
-
Bosses of new themed bakery and café at former garden centre praise community support
-
Mum of disabled children slams housing association's 'terrible' conditions
-
Councillor accuses Colchester Council of neglecting £1.6m St Nicholas Square
-
Businesses warn rising fuel costs are putting services under pressure
Peter said: “It was a big success. We were very well supported. People dug deep in their pockets for a worthwhile cause, and we are delighted with the results.”
“It was our second fundraising event and it was fantastic.”
Steph, who also sang on the night, said: “Last night, we saw the most amazing sunset. It was as if the sun was going down just for us.
“It was good fun to perform together.
“We had Dave Davies, who did the auction brilliantly, and Chris Shannon, who did a bit of singing. The entertainment was great. Everybody loved the food.
“People really listened when we talked about raising awareness of gambling addiction. You could hear a pin drop in the room.
“Despite all the entertainment, the audience allowed us to explain gambling addiction and how it can harm lives. They really embraced it on the night.”
Peter shared locker-room stories from his 30-year career, from his time at Leicester City to playing for England and the infamous 'Hand of God' moment in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final.
He said: “I think they enjoyed hearing about the different generations and how the game has developed over the years.”
“There was a lot of laughter.”
During the auction, two bidders competed to buy tickets for England’s match against Croatia on November 12. They went for £950.
Steph said: “It was incredible. It is fantastic — a lot more than we thought.”
“The giving we have received is so overwhelming.”
Peter is England’s most-capped player. He beat his gambling addiction in 2015 and has campaigned ever since.
He urged people struggling with gambling addiction to seek help.
He said: “If you have a problem, you must reach out and get help. Don’t wait until the very end, when you’ve lost everything. Reach out.
“People are there to help you out of the illness or addiction, as we call it.
“We offer prevention and treatment. Treatment is there for anyone who feels they have this illness.”
Steph added: “People who have gambled, feel concerned, can have a brief chat, knowing someone is there for them.
“It doesn’t need to be full-on treatment - it’s about opening up the conversation.”
Steph revealed that several footballers have been in touch about forming a team for the charity.
“Shilton’s Silverlining has an exciting future,” she said.
Peter added: “This is the start really.”
For more information, visit shiltonssilverlining.org.
Share