A West Ham United fan has been presented with a 2025 JustGiving Award by club captain and England international player Jarrod Bowen at the football team’s home ground.
David Foster, 61, from Finchley, North London, was bestowed the Outstanding Commitment Award after walking 140 miles along Cornwall’s southern coast – from Land’s End to Looe in May 2025 – raising over £12,000 for Rape Crisis in memory of his late daughter,
Emily.
The emotional moment began at home, where West Ham legend Martin Allen delivered the news in a heartwarming
video,
and invited David and his family to a VIP experience at the West Ham v Brentford match on Monday, 20 October.
David and his family enjoyed the full hospitality experience with a top-class three-course meal and premium seating at the London Stadium.
After the final whistle, Jarrod Bowen presented David with his award and posed for photos with the family.
David said: “I think I was in the car when I heard about the nomination. I thought it was great, but I knew there’d be loads of finalists, so I didn’t really think much of it.
“I was then really humbled to be shortlisted. I knew a film crew were coming to the house to tell our story, and then to be surprised by ‘Mad Dog’ at the window while I was being interviewed was a complete and utter shock. I had no idea!
“He’s a West Ham legend, so it was brilliant to meet him, and he was such a lovely guy. Then for him to tell me that I’d won a 2025 JustGiving Award was just super special, and quite emotional, and the experience at London Stadium was amazing, too.
“Winning was a huge surprise, but I do passionately believe in the cause, and if it means that Emily’s story reaches more people and does some good then that’s brilliant.
“Emily has been at the heart of this whole experience, from start to finish, and it’s definitely something that my family and I will treasure forever.”
The Outstanding Commitment Award recognises people who go above and beyond for causes that have supported them or their loved ones. David was shortlisted with four other finalists and chosen as the overall winner by a public vote.
This year, 20 finalists were selected for the JustGiving Awards from more than 18,000 public nominations. To be nominated, entrants must have used JustGiving to raise money for a charity or personal cause within the last 12 months. The refreshed awards recognise
five categories: Outstanding Commitment, Rising Star, Social for Good, Mind Over Miles, and Stronger Together.
Pascale Harvie, President and General Manager of JustGiving, said: “Over the past 25 years, more than £7 billion has been raised for good causes by millions of incredible fundraisers on JustGiving. The Awards are our way of shining a light on those remarkable
individuals whose courage, compassion and commitment inspire us all.
“After whittling thousands of remarkable nominees down to just 20 finalists, the final decision was left to the public. David’s powerful mission to honour the memory of his daughter, Emily by raising crucial funds and awareness for victims of sexual abuse captured
the hearts of many. We hope his time with the West Ham team was an experience he’ll remember forever.”
For more on the JustGiving Awards, visit
www.justgiving.com/hub/happening-now/justgiving-awards.
To support David or find out more about his fundraising challenge, visit:
www.justgiving.com/page/david-foster-2.
