Laurie’s Legacy

Leon joins Laurie Cunningham’s family and campaigners at Leyton Orient

I was honoured to be at the launch of a campaign to raise money to put a statue of the late great Laurie Cunningham opposite the Leyton Orient stadium.

Waltham Forest Council are leading the campaign with the help of Orient and Kick It Out, football’s inclusion and equality group, and Laurie’s family were at the launch to show their support.

Speaking on the day was Laurie’s teammate at Orient, Bobby Fisher. He relayed fantastic stories about the pioneer’s love of football and fashion – and what struck me most was Laurie’s refusal to just be one of the crowd. He expressed himself through his football and fashion at a time when it wasn’t easy to be black in the UK. 

To find out more or donate – go to www.walthamforest.gov.uk/laurieslegacy – I really hope readers get behind the campaign!