West Ham captain Mark Noble donates £35,000 to help vulnerable people in Basildon during coronavirus crisis

West Ham captain Mark Noble has donated £35,000 to his local borough of Basildon to aid their fight against coronavirus.

Noble, who is part of the #PlayersTogether initiative announced by Premier League footballers on Wednesday night, made the donation as a separate contribution from the collective fund.

"I am so impressed by the way the community in Basildon is pulling together," Noble said. "It is so important at this time we all do what we can to look out for one another.

"I have spoken before about how excited I am by what I see happening in Basildon and the potential for the future, and I felt it was important to send a token of support at this time of need."

The funds will be used to help ensure that food and medicines are efficiently delivered to some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

Noble also announced last month that he would donate the fees for his Evening Standard column across this season to a local foodbank.

West Ham team-mate Declan Rice has also made a separate donation to a fund called Heroes, supported by former Hammers, England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole.

Read more

Premier League clubs to receive millions in early merit payouts

Premier League clubs pile pressure on players to take wage cuts

Southampton become first PL club to agree player wage deferrals