In a powerful move that unites the world of football with a critical health cause, former England striker Jermain Defoe OBE has been unveiled as the ambassador for a major new charity initiative. The prolific goalscorer is partnering with Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in a campaign poised to make a significant impact in the fight against heart disease.
The collaboration, announced today, will see Defoe front a campaign called 'The Defoe List'. This initiative is set to harness the passion of football fans to raise a staggering £250,000 for the BHF's vital research programmes. Heart and circulatory diseases remain a leading cause of death in the UK, and the funds will directly support groundbreaking work to develop new treatments and cures.
Defoe's connection to the cause is both professional and deeply personal. Throughout his illustrious career, which included spells at Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, and Sunderland, he was renowned for his incredible fitness and sharpness in front of goal. Now, he's using his platform to champion heart health, an issue that affects millions across the nation.
How 'The Defoe List' Will Work
The campaign is cleverly integrated into the football season. Sky Bet will make a donation to the BHF for every goal scored by a player featured on a specially curated list compiled by Defoe himself. This list will include a selection of strikers from the Sky Bet Championship, League One, and League Two.
Fans can get involved by following the action and seeing how each goal contributes to the final total. This creates an engaging and dynamic way to support the charity, linking the excitement of goal-scoring moments to a tangible, lifesaving outcome.
A Personal Mission
For Defoe, this role is more than just an ambassadorship; it's a mission. He has spoken openly about the importance of health and fitness, values that defined his 22-year playing career. By aligning with the BHF, he aims to inspire fans to think about their own heart health while contributing to a worthy cause.
The British Heart Foundation has welcomed Defoe's involvement, highlighting the immense value his profile and credibility bring to raising awareness. The charity funds over £100 million of new research each year into all heart and circulatory conditions, from stroke to vascular dementia.
This partnership between a football icon, a major betting brand, and a leading health charity represents a unique and potent force for good, set to score big for heart research across the UK.
