IF you look out the admin office windows at the top of QPR’s ground, your eye cannot avoid the harrowing, hollow shell of Grenfell Tower.
The charred remains of the high-rise looms large a mile away from Loftus Road, giving staff a chilling, daily reminder of one of the most tragic disasters in British history.
QPR’s proximity and connection of many of its fans make it fitting they are playing a leading role in football’s relief effort for the victims.
The #Game4Grenfell, a match to show support and raise money for those affected by the terrible fire, takes place on Saturday, September 2.
R’s legend Les Ferdinand, now the club’s director of football, is partly behind the event.
He grew up in the area and will play in the fixture along with a hosts of sport stars and celebrities.
The list of famous names taking part reads like a who’s who of sport, music and movies.
Those putting on their boots include Alan Shearer, David Seaman, Trevor Sinclair, Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons, Olly Murs, Jarvis Cocker, Damian Lewis and Tinie Tempah.
Most read in football
Peter Crouch will feature alongside his firefighter pal Gregg Jules who was directly involved in the blaze aftermath.
Ex-QPR and England winger Andy Sinton, now an ambassador for the club, is also taking to the field.
Sinton, 51, has worked with some of the youngsters affected by the tragedy with the free summer football programme the club has put on this summer at the Westway Sports Centre.
He said: “It gives them a release and something to focus on and a structured environment where they can just smile again for a couple of hours after what they’ve been through.
“For them to be running around with some friends, smiling and laughing, it can sometimes bring a lump to your throat when you turn round and see this big building which is still there charred black.
“When you are so close to it and you see it, almost on a daily basis, it is just horrendous.
“The Game for Grenfell is a wonderful idea and it will be a really emotional evening.
“Sport and football can bring communities together, we’ve seen the power of it in the past. I hope it is a really well supported event.
“People can stand shoulder to shoulder and in a tiny way, help these unfortunate people to move forward.”
The horrific disaster took on an extra chilling significance for me on hearing boxer George Groves interviewed about it in the afternoon of that awful day.
I’d been to the tower years ago to interview James DeGale ahead of his first fight with Groves at the gym where he was training, which was located at the base of the building.
What happened on June 14 was truly unimaginable and the terrifying images of that towering inferno will stay etched in our minds forever.
But as Sinton says, this game of football can bring some momentary joy, raise some money and show the community is there for those affected.
For #Game4Grenfell tickets, visit www.Game4Grenfell.com
Leave a comment