'It’s the least I could do': Ollie Watkins’s sweet gesture before £50 million move to Saudi Arabia
”It’s the least I could do!”
England international Ollie Watkins has donated £5,000 to a six-year-old Cannock boy’s fundraiser for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The former Aston Villa striker was prompted to donate after he saw a social media video in which Albie Egan asked for Ollie Watkins’s support, telling the former Aston Villa star that it was the “least he could do”.
Six-year-old Albie Egan from Cannock took on a challenge: to move 31 miles in 31 days.
Albie exceeded his goal by covering 40 miles in total, raising more than £8,600 for the hospital in the process with his JustGiving fundraiser.
His family are immensely proud of him; father David Egan told the Express & Star: “He’s made so much effort and he’s smashed it. Honestly, he’s done amazing.”
Albie was keen to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital as he was previously cared for by hospital staff after he had surgery to remove a bone cyst.
And he addressed his favourite player directly in a video posted on his dad’s X page, before official confirmation of Ollie Watkins transfer to £50 million transfer to the Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
Albie said in the video watched by thousands: “I’m really sad about this, Ollie Watkins. For every year I’ve had a Villa shirt, and on my sixth year this was the first ever year that I decided I want my favourite player, and you’ll never guess who it was.”
In the video Albie turns and shows Watkins’ name at the back of his Villa shirt.
“It’s you! And the least you could do is raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”
Ollie Watkins accepted Albie's challenge and gave £5,000 plus an additional £1,250 in Gift Aid.
On his donation note, Ollie Watkins said: “Albie I saw your video, well done mate. Good luck you should be proud of yourself! Hope this donation helps. Like you said it’s the least I could do! Ollie.”
When Albie received notification of Ollie Watkins’ donation, he was over the moon: “Oh my God! This is so amazing Ollie Watkins, oh my god, I’m so excited.
“You know what, I’m keeping it on the back [the Ollie Watkins name].
“You’ve just sponsored me and it has made my entire life. Thank you so much.”
David said: “He [Albie] had met Ollie Watkins at Drayton Manor ages ago, and he’s my son’s favourite player.
“The chances of Ollie Watkins seeing the fundraiser and donating were very slim. Little do you know, all of a sudden, my wife’s had a message that there’s been a donation of £5,000.
“Ollie Watkins had somehow seen the video and sent a lovely message to Albie.”
Before the donation from the former Aston Villa player, Albie had raised about £3,000 on his fundraiser.
Albie’s fundraiser is very much still live and people can still donate. Learn more and donate here.
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