An emotional tribute will take place at Hill Dickinson Stadium this Saturday, as Everton prepares to honour the Owen McVeigh Foundation with a powerful moment ahead of the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.
Before kick-off, a specially designed flag celebrating the charity will rise above the South Stand, a poignant gesture organised by fan group The 1878s on a weekend that marks a decade since the passing of Owen McVeigh, the young Evertonian whose courage and character inspired the Foundation that bears his name.
Earlier this week, the Club welcomed Owen’s father and founder of the charity, Mark McVeigh, alongside Evertonian Eddie Hincks — whose own son bravely beat cancer — to preview a new Everton-themed version of the Foundation’s iconic logo. The design will be displayed inside the stadium for the very first time.
The Owen McVeigh Foundation supports children across Merseyside who are living with cancer, as well as their families, offering comfort, memorable experiences and moments of joy during the toughest of times. Its mission is simple yet profound: to create magical memories that carry families through moments of fear, uncertainty and hope.
Founder Mark McVeigh said:
“It’s 10 years this weekend since Owen’s anniversary, so this tribute feels incredibly fitting.
“Our work focuses on looking after children and their families suffering with cancer – giving them the support or respite they need. The backing we’ve received from across the city has been incredible. Owen’s grandad is a proud Evertonian, so to have the blue half of the city honouring him – especially this weekend – means the world to us. We are truly grateful.”
Eddie said:
“I first connected with the Foundation both as a parent and through my work at Alder Hey on the children’s cancer unit. I saw the joy and hope it brought to families right when they needed it most.
“To stand there on Saturday with my son – who came through his own battle – and see Owen remembered this way… it will be incredibly emotional. What this charity gives can’t be put into words.”
For The 1878s, choosing the Foundation for the first lone flag to be raised inside Everton’s new home felt deeply fitting — a cause rooted in the compassion, resilience and community spirit that define both the Club and the city. The blue version of the charity’s flag, emblazoned with the message “All Together Now”, will be carried by Shea, one of Owen’s closest friends and a fellow Everton Season Ticket Member.
Katie Carter of The 1878s said:
“Owen’s story has touched countless people. With this weekend marking 10 years since his family lost him, we wanted the first 1878s flag raised at Hill Dickinson Stadium to honour the Foundation that continues his legacy – and to show that this isn’t about being a red or blue. It’s about a city coming together to support children when they need it most.”
The Foundation has supported countless young Evertonians, including Ben — who will proudly walk the team out as mascot at the Club’s final home game of 2025 against Arsenal on Saturday 20 December. His moment on the pitch is made possible through the combined support of the Foundation and Everton’s Official Stadium Naming Rights partner, Hill Dickinson.
Saturday’s tribute is part of an ongoing commitment by the Club and its supporters to spotlight meaningful causes. It follows recent gestures such as the unveiling of a memorial “talking bench” in memory of former captain Gary Speed, developed with the Everton Fans’ Forum.
As the lone flag unfurls in the South Stand, it will serve as a powerful symbol of remembrance, unity and love — ensuring that Owen’s name, spirit and the happiness he brought to so many continue to shine brightly at the heart of Everton’s new home.
READ MORE: Hill Dickinson Stadium opens its doors to support local Care Leavers
