Premier League stars join forces to raise money for local communities
England striker Callum Wilson and Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin are among a group of Premier League players to launch the #Footballunited initiative, which aims to raise money for local communities impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Manchester United full-back
Aaron Wan-bissaka, Chelsea defender Reece James and Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend have also signed up to the campaign, which has a target of at least £100,000.
The proceeds will be collected by the National Emergencies Trust, with the money used to support elderly and vulnerable people affected by Covid-19, which has brought football on the pitch to a halt.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, meanwhile, has donated £10,000 to the Help Them Help Us appeal fund, which is looking into coronavirus research, setting up a 24/7 national psychological support service as well as ways to boost personal protective equipment for National Health Service workers during the pandemic.
Earlier in the week, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola donated €1 million (£920,000) to fight the coronavirus outbreak in Spain.
Guardiola’s donation will will be used to help purchase medical equipment and protective material for the staff involved in treating those admitted to hospital.
Premier League club Brighton have decided to donate 1,000 tickets for future matches to frontline NHS workers and their families, with Bournemouth also investigating an initiative to pledge match tickets to key workers during the 2020/21 season.