A guest appearance by West Ham FC legend Sir Trevor Brooking has helped raise £4,000 for a synagogue.
The former footballer was the star turn at an evening organised by Chabad North East London & Essex in Gants Hill last week.
Speaking at the event, Brooking, 66, said: “I’ve been made to feel very welcome by lots of football people here.
“I didn’t appreciate how extensive Chabad’s work was across different countries.”
Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin, of Chabad Lubavitch, leads several substance misuse programmes including crisis intervention and support.
He said: “We are delighted with this event, laid on by our fundraising committee. “Funds raise from this evening will assist Chabad locally in its education and preventative work, vital to the wellbeing of so many desperate for support and often practical assistance.”
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