West London’s community came together to remember the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire disaster on Saturday, with over 17,000 people from up and down the country in attendance for the #Game4Grenfell charity match at Loftus Road.
The two sides featured survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire disaster and the brave firefighters who battled the blaze, with current and former professionals, along with a host of celebrities, completing the line-ups.
At least 80 residents lost their lives in the tragic event on 14th June 2017, and the local area united at at Queens Park Rangers’ stadium, which is just a mile from the tower.
QPR’s Head of Communications Ian Taylor said: “Everyone is aware of the tragedy that took place. We opened the stadium straight away after the fire to anyone and everyone whether they needed food, drink or clothing. We said it was an open stadium so please come down and see us.
“We wanted to do something to raise money for the victims and, being a football club, a football match was the perfect way.”
One side was led by former QPR striker and director of football Les Ferdinand whilst the other was managed by former England striker Alan Shearer.
Olympic gold medallist Sir Mo Farah, singer/songwriter Olly Murs and comedian Jack Whitehall were among the celebrities to play, and they were joined by former footballers such as Jamie Redknapp, Trevor Sinclair and Paul Merson.
QPR chairman Tony Fernandes summed the event up perfectly when speaking about the power of football in such instances, saying: “Football really is a unifying sport.
“Whatever is said and done, it brings people together and Saturday couldn’t have been a better example of that.”
With the game finishing at 2-2, the game was settled via a penalty shootout in the new ABBA format, with Murs firing the winning penalty beyond Jose Mourinho to secure a Team Ferdinand victory on a memorable day for the West London community.
You can still donate to Game4Grenfell’s fundraising page at the link below, and all donations received will be passed directly to the London Community Foundation.
DONATE: Click here to donate to the Game4Grenfell fundraising page