When the Grenfell Tower fire broke out on Tuesday morning, London was shell shocked. Football clubs across the city responded. QPR's home ground of Loftus Road was only a mile away from the tower block, and Tony Fernandes helped open Loftus Road for relief.
💙 For those affected by #GrenfellTower fire, our doors and facilities at Loftus Road are open to you.
— QPR FC (@QPR) June 14, 2017
At least 30 people have lost their lives so far in the aftermath of the blaze in North Kensington, with that number expected to rise as rescue crews continuing searching the tower.
Arsenal star Hector Bellerin is away on international duty with the Spanish Under 21s at the European Championships. However, he's still found time for a unique way to help the aid operation for the victims.
For every minute I play in #U21EURO I'll donate £50 to help Grenfell Tower victims. Please support in any way 🙏 https://t.co/CHbqgnlSum pic.twitter.com/TODwIkLwj1
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) June 17, 2017
Bellerin's Spain get their campaign underway at 7.45 this evening, where they are comfortable favourites to beat Macedonia's under 21's. Bellerin is probably going to start and get a fair bit of game time in the tournament. Even if he plays just one full match, that's £4,500. A run to the final with Bellerin playing every minute would bring the total up to over £22,000
Bellerin is not the first major name to donate to the victims. Raheem Sterling announced he would make a 'substantial donation' to the recovery fund. Speaking to BBC Sport, Sterling said:
This is a deep and sad situation, one that's close to my heart and hard to swallow. I would like to help in the best way I can.
It is only a small step, but small steps lead to big changes if we all come together. My condolences to the affected families, also the individuals who lost their homes.
It's a magnificent gesture by the pair. All we need to hope now is that Bellerin gets on the pitch a lot in Poland.
