Former Brentford striker Jo Kuffour was back at Griffin Park on Saturday as he looked to help the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster.
The Bees' friendly with Southampton saw the profits from the game go to the disaster fund, while the club invited the emergency services down to the game as well.
Kuffour, who played for the Bees in the 2006/07 season, volunteered after the disaster and got in touch with the club to see if they could accommodate some of the victims which, naturally, Brentford were happy to do.
He told the club's official website: “It was through a friend of mine who went to the nursery at Grenfell.
“When the disaster happened, I took myself down there to help out with the donations and food as I felt I should do something.
“She contacted me again and asked me if I knew any football teams they could take their kids or families to watch as 90 per cent of them are in hotels with no belongings and no money.
“I called up Brentford through people I still knew here. They were having a game against Southampton geared towards Grenfell and I said I was keen to bring the families over.
“I just want to give massive thanks to Brentford, Nicole in the office. The kids have loved it. With Grenfell nearly six weeks ago, they've been in their hotel most of the time. It's been nice for them to get out.”
Kuffour, who started his career at Arsenal and had spells at Torquay, Bournemouth, Bristol Rovers, Gillingham, Wycombe and Sutton, has been keen to focus on helping young people in his local area.
“Even the survivors here today, they've lost family members, friends, teachers. I try not to ask them any questions about it as this day is to take their minds off it and help them get back to normality,” he added.
“I would like to get involved more in helping the kids where I am from as well. I want to get involved in something that gets the children out and into the sport and gives children drive.”
Kuffour scored 12 goals in 39 League One games and was a rare bright spot in the 2006/07 season as Brentford finished bottom of the table to drop into League Two.
He explained: “I had some good and bad memories. I love the club; they brought me back to London from Torquay many years ago.
“I scored many goals, got player of the season but we went down so there was mixed emotions.
“It was difficult. We had a good team but a few problems off the field, a new manager and new system didn't help. I thought I did well personally. I have fond memories of the place.
“I love the fans here. They're even better now it seems. They're cheering on the team.”
