07/10/2026
As we speak, Matt and Anne Marie are limbering up for next weekās
Matt explains, āWe are delighted to be taking part in Alfieās Squad Race for a Reason 2026. As colleagues who work closely together every day, and as the local authority corporate management team leads for mental health and su***de prevention, this feels like a fantastic opportunity to support a cause that matters deeply to both of us, while putting our teamwork, determination and competitive instincts to the test in a very different environment.
āRaising awareness of mental health, su***de prevention and the life-changing support available through Alfieās Squad is incredibly important, particularly for the diverse communities we serve across Liverpool. We want to help shine a light on the message that nobody should struggle alone and that support, hope and help are out there for anyone who needs it.
āOf course, we would be lying if we said there was not also a competitive element involved. Having watched colleagues Jayne and Freya take on the challenge last year, we definitely feel a certain amount of pressure to do the role justice and put in a strong performance.
āMost of all, we are looking forward to taking on the challenge together, trying not to do each otherās heads in too much, meeting the other teams, and helping raise the profile of the incredible work Alfieās Squad does every day. We are hoping to both make a real difference for a brilliant cause, and also have a lot of fun along the way.ā
Huge thank you to Liverpool City Council for sponsoring Director for Public Health, Matthew Ashton and Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health, Anne Marie Lubanski, to take part and help make a difference to families needing our support following su***de bereavement.
Youāre welcome to donate or help spread the word:
ā”ļø https://www.justgiving.com/page/annemarieandmattraceforareason26