A number of local charities and participants were invited for Christmas lunch hosted by the Chelsea Foundation and generously supported by our catering partner Legends, as part of the Magic of Blue campaign, helping those who may be lonely this winter.

Volunteers from across Chelsea, the Chelsea Foundation, Legends and the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust were on hand to help welcome guests, wait tables and bring a lot of festive cheer. Nearly 500 guests were treated across two sittings in the Rose & Ball hospitality venue.

Across the lunches we welcomed former players such as Gary Chivers, Trevor Aylott, Steve Wicks, Steve Finnieston and Paul Canoville, who all helped play their part, while Academy graduate and men’s first-team player Levi Colwill made a special appearance following on from his visit to the Barons Court Project last year.

‘I think the best thing for people who are suffering with loneliness is to talk about it,’ said the defender. ‘I know that’s easier said than done, it’s tough to talk, but I think getting things off your chest is huge.

‘That’s why events like this are amazing, bringing people together, with the whole club involved. It shows how bonded we are and how we all want to help support our community. For me, events like this really align with my values, and that’s why I love this club.’

While the majority get to spend Christmas celebrating with friends and family, for some, the festive period can be a difficult time, with many experiencing loneliness while spending the winter months alone.

Chelsea Foundation chief executive Laura Cordingley explained: ‘For us at the Chelsea Foundation, it’s important that we support those in our local communities. It’s wonderful to bring people together and support them to live healthier and happier lives. Everything we do in the community is focused on that.

‘The Magic of Blue is about bringing people together during the Christmas period and helping them to feel less isolated. We know this can be a challenging time of year for many people and we want them to know we are here to support.’

The Chelsea Foundation works with a number of charities across the year and this was a moment for them to give back and provide some much-needed Christmas cheer.

With a record number of people attending this year’s Christmas lunch, guests were in attendance from Age UK Kensington & Chelsea, the Barons Court Project, Spear, the Paul Canoville Foundation, Shepherd’s Star, the York Road Project, Glassdoor, the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust, Fulham Good Neighbours, Andy’s Man Club, the Stoll Foundation, Crisis, Warm Welcome, Migrants Organise and Vineyard.

‘We’re delighted to be involved once again this year,’ added Mark Meehan from the Chelsea Supporters' Trust. ‘It’s a very special occasion and part of our ethos is about doing positive things in the local community.

‘This is a great example of community work done between supporters, the club, players, former players, the Foundation, Legends and some great charities. It’s an amazing thing just to be able to put a smile on people’s faces, in what should be a cheerful time of year.’

Once again, the event demonstrated the power of football and the need to do good in our local community, bring people together and provide festive cheer, and show those who may be feeling lonely that they are not forgotten at Christmas.