Burnley defender Ben Mee has praised Jordan Henderson for bringing Premier League footballers together to help those in need due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Premier League stars from every club in the division announced on Wednesday night that they had agreed to donate money to a charitable fund set up to help those most closely involved in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.
The move came after Health Secretary Matt Hancock called on Premier League footballers to do their bit and take a pay cut.
But Mee has not only hit back at Hancock and insisted that players from England’s top-flight were already planning on doing their bit before his comments, but also hailed the true leadership the Liverpool skipper showed by bringing people together to help those in need.
“Jordan Henderson might be the captain of the European champions but he is also a working-class lad from Sunderland who deserves full credit for bringing us all together, showing what makes a true leader,”the centre-back wrote in the Guardian.
“As a group we just wanted to do something positive and we feel we have taken a step towards achieving it.
“From the moment Jordan called me, the Premier League captains have worked tirelessly to ensure we could get #PlayersTogether in place in such a short time.
“There has been great collective urgency to help in any way possible but at the same time ensuring our funds are directed to the places they are most needed.
“Naturally such a complex matter needs time to sort but our frank discussions always had the same purpose: to help in any way we can as quickly as possible.
“The aim is to raise as much as possible and to get the money, as soon as humanly possible, to NHS charities.
“The funding will be used to assist NHS staff and volunteers, providing them with food, overnight essentials and furniture for rest rooms.
“Because of the wicked nature of the virus, many are left isolated, not able to see those closest to them, which will undoubtedly have an impact on mental health, so we feel it is important these people can get access to devices, allowing them to talk with friends and family.”
Before the Burnley man added: “Our message is a positive one and if using our profile helps other wealthy people to review their social conscience and donate then the more the merrier.
“But money is not the only way to help in this situation. We can all do our bit, whether it’s staying at home or assisting an elderly relative or neighbour. We are all in this together.
“All the British players know the importance of the NHS. We’ve all used it, the majority of us weren’t born with a silver spoon in our mouths.
“More specifically, we were born in NHS hospitals. And all the players, regardless of where they are from, understand the urgency of the matter: a lot of people are putting themselves at risk to help us out, to look after us and we know how important it is.”
