Man Utd become NHS United and KP gets on his bike – Thursday’s goodwill stories

PA

Sports stars and clubs across the world continue to help their local communities – and find new ways to amuse themselves – during the coronavirus pandemic.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the best examples from April 16.

Football

Manchester United lit up Old Trafford in dark blue with the words “NHS United” to show support for staff on the front line in the battle with Covid-19.

Premier League rivals Chelsea also showed support for the NHS by providing free meals.

Tottenham have already opened its doors to North Middlesex University Hospital to use as an outpatients facility and became the first Premier League club to operate a COVID-19 testing system at their stadium. Now they are teaming up with students of London Academy of Excellence Tottenham, who are based adjacent to their ground, to make personal protective equipment for frontline NHS staff.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard was showing his son the type of tackles that Liverpool and England fans were used to seeing during his playing days.

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Can’t beat a good 50/50 🤩😉

A post shared by Steven Gerrard (@stevengerrard) on Apr 16, 2020 at 7:07am PDT

Liverpool and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold was doing what he does best in his garden.

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Garden vibes

A post shared by Trent Alexander-Arnold (@trentarnold66) on Apr 16, 2020 at 7:34am PDT

Cricket

Former England batsman and Sky presenter Rob Key learned the hard way that haircuts at home do not always end well.

Kevin Pietersen, another former batsman who knows a thing or two about questionable haircuts, went for a cycle.

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Time to go and earn my wine for this evening… 🚴🏻💨

A post shared by Kevin Pietersen (@kp24) on Apr 16, 2020 at 2:42am PDT

England and Kent wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings successfully completed John Terry’s #jt26challenge, having received nominations from international team-mate Chris Jordan and rugby union player Jamie George.

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Thanks @jamiegeorge2 & @cjrjordan for the #jt26challenge nomination! I’ll be donating via @johnterry.26 page 👍🏼 ‘Aaaaaave it… nearly ended up in a tree! 🤣⚽️ I nominate @finnysteve (donkey), @josbuttler , @tombanton , @maxmeyer95 & @adamgemili 🙌🏼

A post shared by Sam Billings (@sambillings) on Apr 16, 2020 at 7:19am PDT

Golf

Justin Rose sent a message of congratulations to captain Tom Moore, the 99-year-old who has raised millions for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden ahead of his 100th birthday. Moore completed the challenge on Thursday morning and Rose hailed him as “an inspiration to us all”.

PGA Tour player Collin Morikawa revealed that the highlight of his time away from the course has been fostering dogs.

Boxing

Anthony Joshua followed Rose in sending his congratulations to Moore.

Fellow heavyweight champion Tyson Fury modelled his new merchandise.

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Hay guys check out my new collection of GYPSYKING Merchandise, @gypsykingofficialmerchandise so many new looks.

A post shared by Tyson Fury (@gypsyking101) on Apr 16, 2020 at 7:11am PDT

Tennis

Andy Murray received a new practice wall, which saw him open up a debate on popular Netflix documentary Tiger King.

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Hey there cool cats and kittens! 🐯. Who would you feed to the tiger? 1. Joe Exotic 2. Doc Antle 3. Carole Baskin 4. All 3. There is only one correct answer. Thanks to @rebowall for the fun practice wall👍. #tiger #tennis #stayhome #staysafe #animalabuse #animalrights

A post shared by Andy Murray (@andymurray) on Apr 16, 2020 at 6:07am PDT

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