Footballers hand wages to nurses' charity
Thierry Henry is among the players donating thier wages
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Sunday, 13, May 2007 01:36
Premiership footballers in England and Scotland have pledged their support to the May Day for Nurses campaign by donating their wages for today to the charity.
The campaign was founded by Dr Noreena Hertz who has written a number of books published in 15 different languages which have helped shape government policy in other countries.
She has also campaigned on matters such as Third World debt, global poverty, and sweatshop labour.
Dr Hertz has managed to convince entire playing staff from numerous Premiership clubs including West Ham and Tottenham to donate their wages today.
She told BBC Radio Five Live: "The money goes to a hardship fund and pretty much every nurse is eligible. This is for the thousands of nurses who've been writing to me who have to juggle two or three extra jobs."
Players such as Arsenal striker Thierry Henry and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard have also pledged their support for the campaign.
Dr Hertz explained that she had limited knowledge and access to the football world when she started the campaign but found all the teams welcomed the idea and were happy to support the worthwhile cause.
"Every single Premiership club is now on board and almost half of the players are giving up their pay today. It has been a real success," she said.
Dr Hertz said she had targeted footballers because of their high profile and the attention they can bring to the cause.
She urged everyone to help the cause on the campaign website, saying: "However much money our footballers donate to our nurses they will not be able to solve the nursing crisis on their own."