January 2 – West Ham United are set to donate nearly £60,000 to NHS charities and Air Ambulance UK following an auction of match-worn items from their recent Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The fundraiser was organised in support of Michail Antonio, the Hammers’ all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, who was involved in a serious car accident last month.
The auction raised £29,613, a figure that was generously matched by the club’s board to bring the total donation to £59,226.
Antonio, 34, was discharged from hospital earlier this week, more than three weeks after undergoing surgery for a lower limb fracture sustained in the crash. The Jamaica international had to be rescued from his vehicle by emergency services following the incident on December 7 and was taken to a central London hospital for treatment.
“Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words. But this year, I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive,” Antonio wrote on Instagram.
“I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed. I’ve seen close friends pass away, witnessed others face near-death experiences, and even then I didn’t fully grasp just how precious life is.”
The funds from the auction will provide much-needed support to the NHS and Air Ambulance UK, two organisations that play a crucial role in responding to emergencies like Antonio’s.
Speaking at the auction, West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen said: “It’s been special to see the West Ham family and the wider football community come together in support of Mic over the last month.
“We are all grateful for the care that both the NHS and Air Ambulances UK have given to Mic during a challenging time for him and his family, and for what they continue to do every single day for people around the country.
“Pulling together during difficult times is what being a part of West Ham United is all about and on behalf of the team, I want to thank everyone for helping us to raise an incredible amount of money for two great causes.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1735945574labto1735945574ofdlr1735945574owedi1735945574sni@g1735945574niwe.1735945574yrrah1735945574