Shaun Murphy Becomes Rainbows Patron

Former snooker world champion Shaun Murphy has become a patron of Rainbows

Shaun is one of snooker’s most recognisable players and won the 2005 World Championship, becoming the second youngest world champion when lifting the trophy at the age of 22.

That’s one of 25 titles he’s won since turning professional in 1998, and in 2015 he completed the Triple Crown – joining an elite group of players to have won the Masters, the UK Championship and the World Championship.

Shaun has a history of supporting organisations that care for children and has previously partnered with the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Shaun said: “There aren’t many worse things in the world than sick children and, as a father, I think it’s important to do whatever you can to support organisations that care for them.

“When you experience how well children are looked after in those situations it really motivates you to help, even if that’s just in a small way.”

As a patron, Sean will be involved in raising awareness of our charity and will also make financial contributions to us.

He said: “For every century break I make in a season, I’ll be making a donation of £100 to the charity.

“It’s not a lifechanging amount but it’s doing anything I can to provide a little more love and support for the children who need it.

“It also gives me an extra incentive when I’m playing because I know if I’m nearing a century, there are others who will benefit from me getting over that line.

“As well as the financial element, I think it’s important to use my profile to raise awareness because so many charities like Rainbows survive with little government funding.” Shaun says his relationship with John Hayes, CEO of talent management agency Champions (UK) plc, helped lead to the patronage.

He added: “You can barely talk to John without him mentioning Rainbows because he’s so proud of the association Champions has with it.

“I’ve worked alongside John and Champions for a while now, and he’s been able to introduce me to a children’s charity to support, which is what I wanted.

“I’m delighted to be a part of Rainbows.”

Jane Burns, Rainbows CEO, said: “To have Shaun on board is very exciting. We are extremely happy that he has pledged his support to us, and we are delighted to welcome him as our newest patron.

“We are very grateful to all of our patrons for everything they do for Rainbows and we look forward to working with Shaun.”