Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and his wife Alex have quietly paid off £520,000 in school lunch debt across 87 primary and secondary schools in Merseyside and the surrounding suburbs. The generous donation, made through their family foundation, wipes out all outstanding balances and ensures no child will be turned away from the canteen because of unpaid bills.
Speaking at a low-key event at one of the beneficiary schools yesterday, Gerrard grinned and told reporters: “This feels bigger than lifting the Champions League trophy in Istanbul in 2005.” The couple, both raised in the area, said they were shocked to learn how many local families were struggling with rising costs.
The move directly helps more than 4,200 children from low-income households who will now receive hot meals without stigma or worry. Headteachers have praised the gesture as life-changing, with many families facing their toughest winter in years. The Gerrards have asked for no further publicity, simply stating they wanted to give back to the community that supported them throughout their lives.
