David Beckham was honoured with the Legend of Football Award at the 20th Anniversary HMV Football Extravaganza at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London recently.
Celebrating its 20th year, the HMV Football Extravaganza raises funds for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins, having raised nearly £7 million to date, enabling them to provide over 200,000 music therapy sessions for some of the UK’s most isolated and vulnerable people.
David Beckham said: “I’m incredibly honoured to have received this Award. When you look at the list of the previous recipients, I feel very fortunate to join them. More importantly the night has been about recognising the fantastic work that Nordoff Robbins does and raising funds for their vital work. I have seen over the years the positivity that sport can bring to children with special needs, so to come to Nordoff Robbins to learn a little more about how music can do that for people, it’s something that is so touching when you see it. Thank you to everyone at Nordoff Robbins, what they are doing is so incredible, changing the lives of children with difficulties who are in situations which most of us will never have to face. Congratulations on your work, it really is incredible.”
David Beckham received the award from former Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs, who was last year’s recipient of the award. David was joined on the night by his mum, dad and sister as well as Nicky Butt, Sol Campbell, Alex McLeish, Graeme Souness and Brendan Rodgers, amongst other footballing stars.
Led by hosts Geoff Shreeves and Richard Keys, guests heard from Judith Suadoni, who has been bringing her five year old autistic son David to music therapy sessions at Nordoff Robbins for 18 months, changing his life for the better.
The event raised £541,000 – £225,000 of which was raised during an auction. Lots included two lunches with David Beckham, which each sold for £55,000, a meet and greet package with One Direction which sold for £25k and a collection of seven framed shirts signed by David Beckham, from seven clubs he has played for which sold for £21k.
Source: Nordoff Robbins
