Muhammad Hamza

AS PART OF the festive celebrations, Leyton Orient Football Club put on a great match-day experience for football fans who are currently struggling a little bit with life. 

The second oldest Football League club in London hosted eleven rough sleepers. Frontline volunteers Sunu Miah and Jackie Reid from the Docklands Community Initiative were also among the guests in recognition of their frontline activities in supporting the most vulnerable members of their community. 

Brisbane Road also welcomed residents from the Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest, which provides a safe haven for 173 active and retired seafarers, former members of the armed services and people experiencing homelessness.   

The event was bought together by former West Ham United and Dagenham & Redbridge centre back Anwar Uddin MBE from Fans for Diversity; Robbie Minchin, Community Liaison Officer, Leyton Orient Football Club; and Emdad Rahman from the Kind Counter Community Kitchen. 

Uddin commented, “Christmas and welcoming in a new year are all about happiness and unity but we acknowledge that it is also a hugely difficult time for many people who are struggling with life. Fans for Diversity are all about bringing people together and supporting events like today. I’m delighted to be working with Robbie and Emdad to deliver such a memorable and uplifting day.”

In a top of the table clash featured on Sky Sport, guests were treated to a vibrant 0-0 draw as League leaders Leyton Orient played out an entertaining end to end 0-0 draw against Stevenage to retain their seven point lead at the top. 

●To catch up with the news in East London, go to:
East London News