Watford legend Luther Blissett has paid a heartfelt tribute to the kindness and generosity of the community for coming together to help the victims of the Ukraine conflict.
The former England international and Hornets’ record goalscorer played a prominent role in Watford’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and, together with members of the Former Players Club, he has now been at the forefront of a campaign to help the refugees following Russia’s invasion.
In this statement, the 64-year-old explains why he wanted to get involved, how the campaign has grown and expresses his thanks to the Watford community for their support and help for those in dire need.
He said: “I wanted to start a campaign for the Former Players Club to help Ukraine as soon as the invasion began. I woke up on that first morning and wondered how could we alleviate the suffering. We have family in Poland, not far from the border, and Romanian colleagues. Seeing social media appeals from within Ukraine for help we felt we could not stand aside.
"I contacted the highly respected local charity Goods for Good as I have worked with them many times. I met with the Mayor of Watford - and the rest is history.
"The Town Appeal (like our Covid appeal) brings everyone together to get things done. That is why we have the Former Players Club also - players who were part of that glorious golden era under Graham Taylor OBE and those who follow in our 'boot steps'.
"Watford Borough Council has been excellent in helping get the word out, with W3RT giving the appeal use of the Holywell Community Centre to get started.
"From there it grew. Kit Aid, one of Graham’s own much-loved charities offered me boxes of teddy bears and blankets which went out about three weeks ago with the first shipment. Bushey & Oxhey FC - all the kids and parents - spent a weekend collecting and sorting with us and have been helping ever since. Along with people from Harefield Hospital, Sacred Heart School, Bushey Manor and, of course, Parmiter’s which has been an incredible donation centre. Warner Brothers has helped us with providing four large vans to get goods up to a Northampton warehouse for shipping.
"Last week Everyone Active Central stepped in to create the official donation point, right in the heart of Watford, enabling students from West Herts College to volunteer. It is very apt that the centre is in Peace Prospect Road.
"Our incredible local veterans have been unbelievable, planning logistics, organising sorting, packing and driving. They know only too well the impact of war and I have been honoured to work with Norman Mcguigan and Liz Burns from 'The Official Minds at War'.
"When I called, the 1881 Watford FC supporters rallied Luther’s army! Organiser Roy Moore opened up the bunker for several nights so that Hornets could bring donations and pack them. Not only that but we have a long list of volunteers and drivers who are helping us pick up donations and get them transported.
"The Former Players Club is about to send our first driver out to Poland to help transport families, joining the incredible work of Paul Kenwright, a Hemel Hempstead man who went out to deliver goods to a refugee camp and has set up a lifesaving service taking people away from the border to safe homes.
"The Town has raised over the £6,000, which all goes to help Goods for Good get the aid out to the people who need it. Thank you!
"And I must also mention our wonderful, brave Ukrainian family, Nataliya, her husband Michael and their two children. They have relatives still in Ukraine and have inspired many of us to help. Nataliya has helped us create a fantastic online community to help host families in the area and support refugees coming to the Watford area. It gives details (in Ukraine and English) of resources such as school applications, shopping tips, cultural nuances, how to find a doctor, counselling and translation. You can find the community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ukrainepleasedtomeetyou
"Thank you everyone for coming together and making all of this possible.”
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