The sad death of Terry Venables (Obituary, 26 November) has already rightly attracted many tributes. Perhaps less well known is his extensive work for charity and his immense generosity to those less fortunate than himself.
I had the good fortune to work with him for seven years from 1999 when he volunteered to help us fundraise our research on severe burns, transplantation and surgical reconstruction at Northwick Park hospital and the struggling Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research (NPIMR). Together with a team of celebrities and sports personalities that he pulled together and led, he raised enormous sums of money and helped fund two other successful surgical research institutes as well as NPIMR (now the Griffin Institute).
I was also lucky to help him in a tiny way in his important work with children and unemployed lads in the Rhondda valley, where he funded from his own pocket youth clubs with a particular focus on football. His generosity was unconditional and he never sought praise for his altruism. To be with him on his trips to Wales was always a great experience as he was such a fun person.
Prof Colin Green
The Griffin Institute
• In 1985, at age 87, my father – a lifelong Everton fan, although Cornish – was seriously ill but made it to Wembley for the FA Cup final. After the match, which Everton won, he was waiting on a seat outside for me to collect him. Terry Venables went to him and offered to take him to Paddington for the Golden Hind to Penzance, as well as offering him a tea. An example that random acts of kindness can change lives. Dad nearly converted to Spurs and Terry became a friend for his remaining months.
Timothy James
Penzance, Cornwall
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