World News

Newcastle fans starts fundraiser to build school in Ghana in Christian Atsu’s honor

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola

Posted on February 22, 2023

Newcastle fans have already got a fundraiser for a new school running as the Magpies seek to keep the memory of ex player, Christian Atsu alive back in Ghana.

The 31-year-old had been missing since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that took place in the early hours of the morning of February 6 in Turkey but one of his agents confirmed his body had been discovered under the rubble on February 18, twelve days after the unfortunate incident.

Initially, there have been hopes that the Ghana international had been rescued, but his club Hatayspor and agent Nana Sechere revealed the claims were not true.

His remains has since been taken to Ghana for the final burial rites.

Before the former Magpies winger’s death, he had already started work on the project but now, a fan group have started raising money to finish building a school in Ghana in his memory.

The club itself observed a minute’s silence for Atsu before their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday at an emotionally charged St James’ Park and now fan group Talk of Tyneside have started a charity initiative to help a cause close to his heart.

As culled from Dailymail UK, Atsu was an ambassador for the charity Arms Around the Child which he was working alongside to help build the new school With the project already underway.

Talk of Tyneside are now urging fans to donate to their fundraiser help finish what he started in his home country of Ghana with more than £600 being raised so far by Newcastle fans.

Talk of Tyneside said: “Christian Atsu was a well-loved figure on Tyneside and this has been highlighted by the scale of tributes paid to him by Newcastle United Football club and its fans.”

“Following his passing, we were hoping to find a way to give supporters a way to show appreciation for his service to the club, and raising money for a fantastic charity that he worked with feels like the perfect way to do so.”

Ellie Milner from Arms Around The Child added: “Christian touched the lives of so many with his charity work, we are determined to keep his legacy alive by raising funds to finish the school buildings in Senya Beraku – and support the children he loved so much.”