Event to open suite honouring Ray Kennedy in home village raises money for good cause
A night filled with pride, memories and emotion recently took place at The Terrace Club in Seaton Delaval as family, friends and local supporters celebrated the official opening of The Ray Kennedy Suite.
The event honoured one of the country’s most decorated footballers. The late Ray Kennedy rose from humble beginnings in Seaton Delaval to become a legend at Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as representing England at international level.
It also raised almost £2,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. There were various raffle prizes and the items auctioned on the night included a Liverpool FC shirt signed by the team.
The suite, which holds around 200 people, was packed as guests reflected on Ray’s remarkable football journey and his lasting connection to the community he proudly called home.
There were emotional moments throughout the evening as memories were shared by those who knew Ray best, alongside tributes from fans and local figures inspired by his career. The star fought bravely with Parkinson’s disease to the very end after first being diagnosed in 1984.
Ray’s brother Michael said: “We are super proud of our Ray and all that he brought to this life.
“We as a family are forever being stopped to talk about the memories that the name Ray Kennedy evokes to so many across the world.
“He was a brilliant brother and he made sure that all his family were always part of the magic he created on the pitch. The public and the biggest names in world football have been magnificent to us all.”
The European Cup, decked in Liverpool ribbons, was also on hand to instigate memories of his Anfield glory period.