For nearly two decades, Big Lily has been Manchester United’s greatest, and certainly its largest, supporter.
Big and billowing, the iconic red, white and black flag, spanning 100ft x 60ft, and is inextricably linked to the club, has travelled the world since the 1998-1999 season.
She has appeared at matches including in Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, Barcelona, Moscow, Milan and Turin and been the subject of a book, featured in several films, television documentaries and national newspapers.
Now she is set to become the inspiration for a huge charity fundraising campaign.
On Saturday (4 March) Big Lily’s joint-creator and owner, Manchester United fanatic and friend of Christiano Ronaldo, Keith Norris will launch the United Supporters 4 UNICEF project.
Keith’s mission: to persuade 116,000 people to sign the flag digitally to break the current Guinness World Record–andraise over £300, 000 in aid of UNICEF (The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund).
Supporters are asked to go to www.mybiglily.com and donate a minimum of £3.
Each person who donates and signs will receive a Free ‘My Big Lily’- Manchester United’s Biggest Supporter’ eBook and a certificate signed byUnited legend Paddy Crerand.
All the funds raised will support Unicef’s work in protecting children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children.
Keith has hired a plane to fly over Old Trafford during Saturday’s home match with Bournemouth, trailing a banner reading: JUST SIGN IT @SIGNBIGLILY.COM
Big Lily herself will be draped from Hotel Football, Old Trafford – the venue built by Class of ‘92 stars Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt – where the launch will take place.
Note to media: Keith and his team members will be at a private function in Hotel Football before the match, together with Nicky Butt and Pat Crerand, who is a staunch supporter of the campaign and Big Lily’s Worldwide Ambassador.
Background facts
• The name Big Lily is derived from two symbols in Northern Ireland: Orange Lily (Protestant) and Easter Lily (Catholic) and was conceived by two friends of opposite religions who loved Manchester United, Keith Norris and the late Martin Cleary.
Her origins are explained in the MUTV video:
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/embed/_RMtnq8Q6sw
• Big Lily’s appearances have not been confined to United’s football matches. She was draped over Belfast’s Stormont Hotel as a mark of respect to George Best on the day of his funeral and even appeared at Keith’s wedding in Japan.
• Keith, 49, a father of four, from Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, who works in the auto part business, was first inspired to support United by the story of Munich, George Best and several fellow countrymen which, he says “gave you great feeling of pride and positive identity”. He met his wife on a trip to Tokyo in 1999 to watch United play in the Toyota Cup.
• The Guinness World Record for most signatures collected on a flag is 115,405 and was achieved by the United Service Organizations (USO) with signatures obtained across the world from 1 April to 7 June 2014. The USO is a non-profit organization that provides programs, services and live entertainment to United States service members and their families.
• Unicef works in 190 countries and ensures more of the world’s children are fed, vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation.
For further information, contact Keith Norris: 07889 743917, keith@signbiglily.com
Or go to: http://www.signbiglily.com/
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/embed/JTAzMQK6Hfs
Keith Norris said:
“Big Lily is, and always will be, a symbol of peace, friendship and unity. The reaction and smile on people’s faces when they raise her above their heads or stand and have a picture taken is enduring and priceless. I receive emails from all over the world wanting to learn more of United’s Big Lily.”
“Whilst this is a fans’ initiative, we’ve been overwhelmed by the help and guidance from United legends Paddy Crerand and Gary Neville, John Shiels and his team at the Manchester United Foundation. MUFC Managing Director, Richard Arnold unstintingly gave his invaluable advice and support, including permission to use the Big Lily MUTV documentary on the signbiglily.com website. Furthermore, the club promised us their full media support. Fundamentally, Manchester United’s backing of this fans’ project is crucial to the success in raising and delivering essential financial support for children in danger around the world.
“This unprecedented partnership between the club, worldwide supporters and United’s Big Lily promises to galvanise the global united family in a unique manner. My personal quest is serve the memory of Martin ‘Faceman’ Cleary, my sadly departed best friend, co-founder of Big Lily Project.”
Pat Crerand said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to be part of the Manchester United’s world wide supporters initiative with Big Lily to raise £300,000 plus for children in danger around the world in aid of UNICEF.”
“United supporters are known the world-over for their generosity and willingness to help others in need. Let’s show the world the caring side of football! If we each donate just £3, we can make a huge difference to the lives of young children who are in desperate circumstances through no fault of their own.”
Media Contact
Company Name: Signbiglily.com
Contact Person: Press Execuctive
Email: gracewilliamss91@gmail.com
Country: United Kingdom
Website: www.signbiglily.com