'Proud of our local lad' - Support for footballer Jordan Henderson floods in following MBE

Well-wishers have shown their support for England and Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson after the former Sunderland AFC star’s charity work was given royal approval.
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The former Farringdon Academy pupil received an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours not only for his achievements on the pitch, but in recognition of his part in forming charitable fund, Players Together, which supported NHS good causes during the first coronavirus lockdown in 2020.

Henderson, who came up through the Academy of Light with his SAFC first team debut in November 2008, made almost 80 appearances for the Black Cats before being sold to Liverpool.

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Support for the former SAFC footballer has now flooded in following the MBE announcement.

Jordan Henderson during his time with Sunderland.Jordan Henderson during his time with Sunderland.
Jordan Henderson during his time with Sunderland.

Sunderland AFC’s charity, the Foundation of Light, tweeted: “Congratulations Jordan, much-deserved. One of our own.”

Henderson said he was “humbled” by the award and insisted he was only part of a movement among with his Premier League counterparts, and he dedicated his honour to NHS staff.

As the news was announced, readers joined in with paying tribute to the footballer.

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Lilian Loraine said: “Well done Jordan, you make the city proud of you.”

Jordan Henderson during an England training session at St George's Park this week. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images.Jordan Henderson during an England training session at St George's Park this week. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images.
Jordan Henderson during an England training session at St George's Park this week. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images.
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Former Sunderland AFC star and England and Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson ge...

Bev Diamond added: “Well done Jordan, proud of our local lad”. Karen Joyce posted: “Well done Jordan.”

The Players Together initiative was announced last year in early April at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, which saw football and other sports all come to a halt.

Premier League captains worked together to help establish a joint contribution fund which was directed to NHS Charities Together for distribution to good causes working to provide support to NHS staff and patients.

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Henderson’s England teammate Raheem Sterling also received an MBE, in recognition of his services to racial equality in sport.

England football club shared their congratulations to the players and tweeted: “Proud of you both. Congratulations, @JHenderson and @sterling7.”

NHS Charities Together added in its own tweet: “Jordan, huge congratulations on this amazing achievement. We're honoured you're our official Charity Champion.

"Your support is making an incredible difference across the NHS and your MBE is thoroughly deserved. Thank you for being such a huge part of NHS Charities Together.”

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