Final push in campaign to save iconic Salford Lads and Girls Club after incredible effort from music stars and locals

-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Readers of the Manchester Evening News are being asked for their help as part of a last push to save Salford Lads and Girls Club from closure.

The historic youth centre first opened in 1903 with the mission to 'Brighten Young Lives and Make Good Citizens'. But, due to rising costs and a reduction in grant income, the club will run out of money in a matter of weeks.

The treasured facility needs to raise £250,000 before the end of November in order to avoid shutting. The M.E.N last month launched a crowdfunding campaign on behalf of the club in order to raise the money.

After scores of generous donations large and small, from famous names but also local residents and businesses, at the time of writing an amazing £224,638 has been raised, more than 90 percent of the total.

READ MORE: Brewery launches new beer in campaign to help save Salford Lads Club

However, with just three weeks to go, a total of £25,362 is still needed to hit the magic £250k figure. And we are today asking for people to spare whatever they can to help get them over the line.

You can donate to the Salford Lads and Girls Club fundraiser here.

The club, in Coronation Street, Ordsall, has more than 200 members and provides a wide range of activities. It is hoped if the club can be saved a £1m legacy fund will be set up to avoid further cash crises.

This would enable £40,000 to £50,000 a year to be drawn down from it in interest.

The campaign has received huge support -Credit:Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News
The campaign has received huge support -Credit:Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News

The campaign has been backed by famous faces including The Courteeners, The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess, former Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook and former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley.

Morrissey, whose band The Smiths saw the club shoot to worldwide fame when they included a shot of them outside the club inside their iconic album The Queen Is Dead, has also donated £50,000. Whilst Salford Council also pledged £100,000 saying it was an "institution that wholly embodies the true Spirt of Salford."

Salford based technology firm IN4.0, run by local businessman Andy Beaden, also donated £10,000. Whilst Seven Brothers Brewery, also based in the city, has launched a new beer called Salford Lads Club IPA with all proceeds going towards the campaign.