Denis has been a Foundation trustee since the organisation’s inception in 2007 and has always been extremely hands-on with his support.

In 2009 the former Reds defender led a group of fundraisers on a trek through the Sahara Desert, during which they covered 105km in five days and raised over £40,000.  The success of this trip paved the way for future fundraising treks such as Machu Picchu and Kilimanjaro.

Since 2010 Denis has annually supported the charity golf days and since 2012 has been a mainstay of the Manchester United legends team, taking on historic rivals Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Liverpool, and helping to raise over £2 million to date for the Foundation’s work with young people across Greater Manchester.

Over the years Denis has also been keen to visit Foundation projects and witness first-hand how his fundraising efforts have benefitted local children.  He has joined in with Street Reds sessions during trophy tours of previous years and has visited partner schools, giving advice and delivering football training as part of promotional activities for the legends matches.

Always a good sport, Den most recently donned a red outfit of a different kind as he dressed up as Father Christmas to promote, attend and even take part in the annual Santa Run in 2015. 

About his time on the Foundation board Denis said, “As a trustee I’ve seen first-hand the work in the local community and in schools and I’ve enjoyed doing my bit to raise money,” he said. “To put smiles on kids’ faces and teach them the importance of health, wellbeing, and all of the things you can teach through the power of football, it’s fantastic. I’ve had a great time and will continue to lend my support where I can.”

The United legend will now be spending time focusing on his ambassadorial role with Manchester United and has vowed to continue being part of future Legends matches.