On Thursday evening, over 200 business leaders, celebrities, politicians and West Ham fans gathered at the Hilton London Tower Bridge to celebrate the West Ham United Foundation’s inaugural Gala Dinner, proudly supported by Paragon. The evening was dedicated to raising vital funds for the Club’s charitable work and honouring community heroes from east London and beyond whose lives have been transformed by engaging with the Foundation.
Hosted by presenter Alex Aljoe, the star-studded evening welcomed a host of Claret and Blue icons, including first-team players Jarrod Bowen, Vladimír Coufal, Shelina Zadorsky and Amber Tysiak; Head Coaches Julen Lopetegui and Rehanne Skinner; West Ham legends including Mark Noble and Sir Trevor Brooking; and Hollywood star and lifelong Hammer Ray Winstone.
With the redevelopment of its Beckton Community Hub well underway - a project that aims to more than double the social impact of its current facilities - the event was a significant opportunity for the Foundation to raise funds ahead of the Spring 2025 opening. Located near the Club’s former home at the Boleyn Ground, the new headquarters is expected to generate over £75m in social value in its first five years of operation. To bring the work of the Foundation to life, the Club nominated first-team players and Club legends to hand out awards to the unsung heroes impacted by the Foundation’s services and networks.
First up, Ray Winstone and Moore Family Foundation founder Roberta Moore, daughter of West Ham legend Bobby Moore - whose legacy inspires the programme providing academic and mentoring support to disengaged young people - presented the Female Rising Star Award to Thalia Lewis. Thalia, who overcame the risk of disengagement from mainstream education through mentorship and football-themed activities, completed the Moore Family Foundation programme, gained Sports Leader qualifications and became an advocate for others, supporting peers within the Care Leaver programme.
For the Male Rising Star Award, men’s team captain Jarrod Bowen and women’s team vice-captain Shelina Zadorsky took to the stage to hand the award to Haidar Jebara. Haidar travelled from Nigeria to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer. Supported through the Foundation’s Post-16 partnership programme with Choices International, despite being in an entirely new environment, Haidar excelled through the programme, engaging well with his peers and even winning the golden boot in the SCL Central London Youth Development League.
Foundation partner and grassroots organisation tackling youth violence in east London Be Heard As One, were recognised for their support in the MyEnds violence reduction initiative with the Inspiring Futures Award, presented by Amber Tysiak and Vladimír Coufal.
Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand presented Paragon with the Outstanding Partner Award for their continued support of the Foundation’s initiatives, including sponsorship of the event. Also recognising the fundraising efforts on behalf of the Foundation, Carlton Cole presented Barclays North & East London Team with the Fundraising Excellence Award.
Former Premier League Kicks participant turned schoolteacher Tayyab Hayat was recognised with the Spirit of West Ham Award by fellow east Londoner Mark Noble. The award highlighted Tayyab’s engagement with the charity’s free football programme as a teenager. Facing some of the most challenging and tragic circumstances, Tayyab credits the Foundation’s free football and mentoring programmes for steering him away from knife crime and gang involvement. By accessing free football sessions and mentoring, he forged the inspiring path he is on today, working full-time in a school and part-time as a football and lifestyle presenter.
The final award of the night, Hammers Hero Award, presented by West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking, recognised the volunteering efforts of Doreen Moore and Maureen Hankin, members of the Any Old Irons programme, who gave up their time to help the Foundation deliver its pilot Claret Claims Clinic scheme, helping pensioners in the local community to access thousands of pounds worth of unclaimed pension credits.
Reflecting on the importance of nights like these in raising funds for the Foundation’s work, WHU Foundation CEO Joseph Lyons concluded: “It cannot be underestimated how important nights like these are in our mission to uplift the communities of east London and beyond. The funds raised tonight will contribute massively to our ambitions for the future.
“We couldn’t be more excited about our Beckton Community Hub redevelopment, set to open in Spring 2025. Located in an area desperate for aspirational spaces, it will be a true community hub. A welcoming safe space, open to all which will foster a sense of belonging for everyone who visits.
“My heartfelt thanks go to our Headline Sponsor Paragon, Award Sponsor Teesside University London and Advertisement Sponsor 1st Staff, as well as everyone who made this night possible. Our attendees, who generously supported our community initiatives, have been fantastic too and have helped to create a night to remember!”
