Efforts are underway to help breathe new life into a much-loved venue that has long been a second home for Everton supporters.

St Luke’s Church has long held close ties to the club, its Goodison Park neighbour, and its church hall is a matchday treasure trove for fans seeking to explore its history and make new friends, with the likes of Everton Heritage Society among those that use it as a base.

But the landmark has become beset by problems, including damage to the events space caused by recent flooding. While the matchday memorabilia fair can remain ongoing upstairs, the problems on the ground floor are preventing other church and supporter activities.

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Before Everton move away from Goodison Road, Blues are desperately trying to raise money to repair and restore key issues, including upgrading the electrics, improving the flooring and funding a replacement boiler that could enable the venue to continue to host events linked to the club and the community.

Among those leading the calls for donations is Richie Gillham, an avid Blue involved in a host of initiatives including the work of the club’s heritage society.

He told the ECHO: “A few weeks ago there was a flood outside, leading to the Everton Disabled Supporters Association’s Christmas fair having to be cancelled. That has caused damage to the building but other issues also exist - there is a lot of damp, the roof leaks, the electrics need work and the big ticket item is the boiler. The first thing we need to do is to raise money to help address the problems. It is a big ask because times are tough for a lot of people, but any support we can get is appreciated.

“This place is a second home, it’s filled with memories and memorabilia but even storage of things like the programmes and the kits we are donated for the KitAid appeal is becoming a problem. This place is an icon of the club, so we thought it was only right that we try and do something to help - the church is as much a part of the club as a player on the pitch so the right thing to do is to try and give back.”

So far, £1,000 has been raised towards the £25,000 target. You can find out more about the campaign, and donate, here.