Chelsea footballer’s car smashed and gifts stolen as he was volunteering with Felix Project

‘What goes around, comes around,’ says Reece James following theft

The Chelsea right-back was supporting our Help The Hungry campaign on the day the incident took place (Lucy Young)

Chelsea defender Reece James has revealed thieves broke into his car and snatched gifts meant for hungry children while he volunteered for The Independent’s Christmas campaign.

The football star had been helping The Felix Project – one of our key campaign partners for Help The Hungry – in west London when his car window was smashed and presents were stolen.

“Another rewarding experience with The Felix Project today serving meals to the younger generation,” the 21-year-old said about his work with the food-redistribution charity.

“Unfortunately, I was met with huge disappointment when returning to my car. During the event, someone felt the need to break in and steal gifts that I was due to go and donate later in the day.”

The Chelsea and England star – who is attempting to raise £100,000 to pay for more than half a million meals – added: “What goes around, comes around.”

Mr James shared a photo of the damage on his Instagram account, prompting dismay from his supporters. “How heartless can some people be, breaking into someone’s car and stealing gifts that were due to be donated,” one wrote.

The footballer had been helping The Felix Project to hand out food at Normand Croft Community School in Hammersmith around lunchtime when the attack on his 4x4’s rear window occurred. Among the haul of presents meant for children was a Sony PlayStation 5.

The footballer has been volunteering with The Felix Project for the past 18 months. He recently told The Independent: “When I grew up, I was around a few of my friends that didn’t have the privilege of having food all the time. I saw what it can do and how it can change people’s lives, so I wanted to come and help.”

Chelsea star shares photo of smashed car (Reece James/Instagram)

Marcus Roberts, relationship manager of The Felix Project, said: “Reece has been quietly donating his time for the last year and a half.

“To have someone like him, who at the age of 21 is so passionate about helping others, is incredibly powerful and inspiring. So many young people look up to him and want to be like him, and by devoting his time to helping the less well-off he is the best role model.”

The Independent and our sister title the Evening Standard have been working towards a fundraising target of £10m for our appeal partner The Felix Project.

The campaign will see a new social kitchen set up in central London, turning surplus food into nutritious ready-to-eat meals that will be delivered to vulnerable people across the capital.