West Ham captain Mark Noble donates £35,000 to support vulnerable in Basildon

West Ham United captain Mark Noble has donated £35,000 to support vulnerable people in Basildon during the coronavirus outbreak.

The money will be used to help deliver food and medicines to those most in need in the borough.

Noble, 32, also sent a message of support to workers distributing essentials.

The donation comes on the same day a new fund was launched by Premier League players to raise money for the NHS.

Noble has a long-standing association with Basildon, and recently pledged his support to Basildon Council's plan to build a Youth Zone in the borough.

"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."

Basildon Council Leader Gavin Callaghan added: It is a great boost at these challenging times to know that our friends continue to Believe in Basildon.

"The donation will be administered by the community hub set up by the council to work with community volunteers and other local organisations to support vulnerable people through these difficult times. It is greatly appreciated."