MBE TRIBUTES TO JORDAN
Well-wishers have shown their support for England and Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson after the former Sunderland AFC star’s charity work was given royal approval.
The former Farringdon Academy pupil was made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours not only for his achievements on the pitch, but in recognition of his part in forming charitable fund, Players Together, which supportedNHS good causes during the first coronavirus lockdown.
Henderson, who came up through the Academy of Light with his SAFC first team debut in November 2008, made almost 80 appearances for the Black Cats before being sold to Liverpool.
Support for the former SAFC footballer has now flooded in following the MBE announcement.
Sunderland AFC’s charity, the Foundation of Light, tweeted :“Congratulations Jordan, much-deserved. One of our own.”
Henderson said he was “humbled” by the award and insisted he was only part of a movement among with his Premier League counterparts, and he dedicated his honour to NHS staff.
As the news was announced, readers joined in with paying tribute to the footballer.
Lilian Loraine said: “Well done Jordan, you make the city proud of you.”
Bev Diamond added: “Well done Jordan, proud of our local lad”. Karen Joyce posted: “Well done Jordan.”
The Players Together initiativewas announced last year in early April at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, which saw football and other sports all come to a halt.
Premier League captains worked together to help establish a joint contribution fund which was directed to NHS Charities Together for distribution to good causes working to provide support to NHS staff and patients.
NHS Charities Together tweeted: “Jordan, huge congratulations on this amazing achievement.”