Manchester United star spends Christmas Eve helping homeless

Manchester United star Diogo Dalot has helped serve food to homeless people at a shelter in the city.

The Portuguese defender, a £19 million signing from Porto, turned up unannounced with his partner at Lifeshare, a homeless charity in the city centre, surprising visitors with clothing and food donations.

Dalot, 25, said: “I have lived in Manchester for over six years now and I’m proud to call this city my home.

“Unfortunately, homelessness is on the rise; as a family we want to raise awareness and also directly help people wherever we can.

“We have started working with Lifeshare, an incredible charity that does so much to help vulnerable people.

“I’m really grateful that I was able to spend time with them and play a small part in helping to deliver such vital work for the people that they support.”

Jahan Hussain, trustee at Lifeshare, said: “Following a really difficult year, where Lifeshare even faced closure during its 40th anniversary, support like this is literally life-saving.

“Not long ago, we didn’t know if our much-needed Christmas Project would be able to go ahead, so to then get a visit from someone who is so high profile like this is amazing.

Lifeshare is hosting its annual Christmas Project, a week-long event which sees the charity open its doors from 7am to 7pm, as of yesterday (Monday) to Friday, to anyone in need of shelter, food and companionship, no questions asked.

As well as food, the guests are offered hot showers and clean, dry changes of clothes and shoes.

Lifeshare also co-ordinates other services such as barbers, vets and opticians to attend to provide those in need with haircuts, shaves, pet care and eye health care during its Christmas Project.