Premier League stars including Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Harry Maguire announce launch of fund to raise millions for NHS during coronavirus pandemic
Premier League stars have joined together to create a fund which is set to raise millions of pounds for the National Health Service.
Players from all 20-top flight clubs in England tweeted a picture of a statement with the caption ‘#PlayersTogether’ on Wednesday evening as they announced the initiative, which was spearheaded by Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
Last week, health secretary Matt Hancock urged footballers to ‘play your part’ during the coronavirus outbreak by contributing towards the NHS, while the Premier League proposed 30 per cent wage cuts for all players.
However, there have been concerns among many players that any wage deferrals would go towards their respective clubs and owners and not towards the NHS, leading them to go it alone.
In a statement released by hundreds of Premier League stars on social media, including Henderson, England captain Harry Kane and Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire, it was explained that they had partnered with NHS Charities Together (NHSCT) - the national umbrella organisation for over 150 registered NHS charities - to ensure they can 'distribute money to where it's needed most'.
The creation of the fund followed extensive talks among senior footballers across the country over how they can best help their communities.
The statement read: “Over the course of the last week we, as a group of Premier League players, have held numerous talks together with the vision of creating a contribution fund that can be used to distribute money to where it’s needed most in this COVID-19 crisis; helping those fighting for us on the NHS frontline as well as other key areas of need.
“This is a critical time for our country and for our NHS, and we are determined to help in any way that we can.
“We can confirm that after extensive conversations between a huge number of players from all Premier League clubs we have created our own collective player initiative, #PlayersTogther, and have partnered with NHS Charities Together (NHSCT) in order to assist them in generating and distributing funds quickly and efficiently to where they are needed most.
“NHSCT is the national umbrella organisation for over 150 registered NHS charities, working closely with Charity Commission, Department of Health and Social Care, and NHS England to represent, champion, and support the NHS’ official charities. NHSCT are the official charity partner of the NHS nationally.
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“The contributions that this initiative will generate will help NHSCT quickly grant funds to the front line to support in a number of ways, including to help enhance the well-being of NHS Staff, volunteers and patients impacted by COVID-19 as well as helping them in their work supporting many other critical areas of need both now and in the longer term.
“#PlayersTogether is about we, as players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other club and league conversations, that can help get much needed funds to those that need it right now. To try and help, along with so many others in the country, make a real difference.
“Our prayers and thoughts go out to everybody affected by this crisis. By sticking together, we will get through this.
“Stay Home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives. #PlayersTogether.”
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Hancock applauded the initiative on Twitter, saying: "Warmly welcome this big-hearted decision from so many Premier League footballers to create #PlayersTogether to support NHS Charities. You are playing your part."
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville, who fiercely defended footballers in the wake of Hancock’s comments, tweeted his delight.
He said: “The players have spoken. Well done to you all. #playerstogether.”