David Foster, 61, was given a 2025 JustGiving Award by Bowen at the London Stadium after a recent home game.
The lifelong fan, originally from Ilford but now lives in Finchley, walked 140 miles along the southern coast of Cornwall, from Land’s End to Looe, in May 2024, raising more than £12,000 for Rape Crisis in memory of his daughter Emily.
A gifted pianist, an avid reader and a keen walker, Emily graduated with a history degree from the University of Oxford and a psychology master’s from Oxford Brookes, before pursuing a career as an educational mental health practitioner in Cornwall.
Emily suffered from severe trauma-based anxiety, which had resulted in a stay in a psychiatric hospital and daily trauma clinic sessions for eight months.
Emily, a victim of sexual violence on multiple occasions, had severe trauma-based anxiety which had resulted in a stay in a psychiatric hospital and daily trauma clinic sessions for eight months.
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She took her own life at the age of 26 in February 2024.
A gifted pianist, an avid reader and a keen walker, Emily graduated with a history degree from the University of Oxford and a psychology master’s from Oxford Brookes, before pursuing a career as an educational mental health practitioner in Cornwall.
David was inspired by his daughter’s own plan to hike the 140-mile route and took on the challenge himself across two weeks.
West Ham United legend Martin ‘Mad Dog’ Allen delivered the news of his award through a video, and invited him and his family to a VIP experience at the London Stadium.
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.”
After the match with Brentford , David was presented with his award by Bowen, who posed for photos with the family.
David added: “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 chosen as the overall winner by a public vote, having been shortlisted with four other finalists.
Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of JustGiving, said: “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.”
To support David or find out more about his fundraising challenge, visit justgiving.com/page/david-foster-2.
If you’re struggling there’s always help – contact the Samaritans on 116 123 via phone for a confidential chat or email jo@samaritans.org
