QPR to host charity match to raise money for Grenfell Tower victims

Queens Park Rangers will raise money for the victims of the Grenfell Tower by hosting a match at Loftus Road featuring the likes of Peter Crouch, Alan Shearer and Tinie Tempah.

The club confirmed their plans to hold a game on Saturday September 2 at 3pm to raise funds for the survivors of the devastating Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed the lives of at least 80 people on 14 June.

The match will see two teams consisting of footballers, former players and celebrities go head-to-head in a 90-minute game just one mile away from where the charred remains of the north Kensington tower block remain.

In the list of already-confirmed former players are Les Ferdinand, David Seaman, Trevor Sinclair, Alan Shearer, Andy Sinton, Jody Morris, Ally McCoist and Paul Merson.

Crouch will also play while a whole host of celebrities - including Olly Murs, DJ Spoony, Tinie Tempah and James Bay - have also been confirmed for the match as has Marcus Mumford.

The lead singer of Mumford & Sons has been the driving force behind a new free football summer programme at the Westway Sports Centre, which has been set up specifically for the young children of Grenfell.

Money raised from the game will be given to the Evening Standard's Dispossessed Fund, which helps grassroots charities tackling poverty, inequality and exclusion across the capital. Since its inception in 2010, the Dispossessed Fund has raised £18.02million.

Speaking about the match, which has been set up in conjunction with QPR in the Community Trust, Columbia Records and Toast Entertainment Group, Ferdinand said: "The Grenfell Tower fire has had a huge impact on the local community, of which QPR is a massive part.

"As someone who grew up in the area, personally this is incredibly close to my own heart and having spoken to Tony [Fernandes], he was also keen to continue the work we’ve done in the community since the fire.

"Despite the natural team rivalries that exist in football, I have always found that this sport can unite people and communities like no other.

"In the hours and days after the tragic fire, Fulham, Brentford, Chelsea and ourselves worked shoulder to shoulder, uniting for the communities we all live and work in."

More than 2,000 complimentary tickets for the game will be given to those directly affected by the Grenfell fire - including families, the emergency services and volunteers - while fans can buy some here for £15 (adults) and £5 (concession).