Larne have announced details of a 'Benefit Year' for Jeff Hughes who has announced his retirement from football.
Hughes has brought the curtain down on his stellar career after suffering a serious knee injury last month which requires surgery.
The 37-year-old said he felt "blessed" to have enjoyed a career spanning over two decades, and two spells with his hometown club Larne.
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The ‘Benefit Year’ will consist of a variety of fundraising events, including a game against English/Scottish opposition this summer, a golf day at Cairndhu GC, legends’ exhibition games and a fundraising dinner.
A ‘Jeff Hughes Benefit Year’ committee has already been confirmed to oversee all fundraising activities over the course of the year. The committee includes: Chairman – Gareth Clements, Secretary – Darren Stanton, Treasurer – Denise Lowe, Raymond Hill and Supporters Club Reps – Gordy McKay, Michael McCowan, Conor Stanton and Davy Wilson.
Larne chairman Clements said: “When we brought Jeff home from Tranmere Rovers back in 2019, we promised him that we would host a ‘Benefit Year’ as a fitting tribute to one of the town’s greatest athletes.
"As soon as Jeff made the club aware of his plans to retire, originally at the end of the season, conversations began in order to deliver on our promise for Jeff and his family.
“The Benefit Year will see a number of fundraising events organised for Jeff, with work already underway on various ideas which we will be able to announce shortly.
"We have put together an excellent committee from all aspects of our club, and we are all committed to doing Jeff proud by celebrating an immensely successful journey in professional football.”
Supporters can follow updates regarding our JH24 Benefit Year via the following social media channels:
- Facebook: Jeff Hughes Benefit Year
- Twitter: @JH24BenefitYear
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