The Portsmouth loanee who joined a community's battle to overcome the coronavirus crisis

He led from the front when the city needed him, spearheading the players’ Pompey in the Community effort during the coronavirus crisis.
Cameron McGeehan was heavily involved in Pompey's community effort during his Fratton Park loan spellCameron McGeehan was heavily involved in Pompey's community effort during his Fratton Park loan spell
Cameron McGeehan was heavily involved in Pompey's community effort during his Fratton Park loan spell

During lockdown and with football suspended, the 25-year-old opted to remain on the south coast to contribute to the community cause.

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Joining many of his Pompey team-mates in lending a helping hand to those in need of assistance, the ever-busy McGeehan was involved in cooking and deliveries.

And it was a challenge he relished.

McGeehan told The News: ‘Christian Burgess was the trailblazer, he orchestrated it and got all the boys interested.

‘When he asked if anyone wanted to get involved. I was keen to help people, so volunteered.

‘I have a lot of family connections in Portsmouth. My mum grew up near the training ground, while my grandma lives near Portchester Castle, so I felt it was the right thing to do.

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‘I enjoyed it as well, giving something back, going out and seeing people in the community who need your help.

‘At the beginning I would help two or three times a week then, ahead of the play-offs, it was once or twice a week.

‘I started cooking at first. When they had that covered, I felt I was kind of getting in the way at times so went out into the community, meeting fans and delivering presents.

‘It was the right thing to do. I felt I was a Pompey player when there, which meant part of the community.

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‘It didn’t occur to me I was on loan, I just wanted to be involved in everything.’

Others to feature prominently in the community effort were Burgess, Tom Naylor, Ben Close, Andy Cannon and Sean Raggett.

And McGeehan was also impressed at the selflessness of those associated with Pompey in the Community.

He added: ‘There are some great people down at Pompey in the Community.

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‘Gavin, Tony, Dan, these people worked away every day, just trying to help people during lockdown.

‘The whole of our team got involved, everyone played their part. It’s a special club.’

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