Chelsea donate prize money to charity

Chelsea have donated the £100,000 prize money for winning the Women's Super League to a domestic abuse charity.

The Blues, who were awarded the title last week after the season was decided on a points-per-game basis, are supporting Refuge - a charity that helps women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Manager, Emma Hayes, said: "It is a charity that is close to the hearts and minds of the women's team and is very important to our owner, Mr Abramovic."

She continued: "Up until now our involvement was about supporting the campaign publicly with a call to action but we all wanted to do more than that and if donating our prize money can ease some of the concerns and worries people have then it’s the least we can do."

There has been a sharp rise in cases of domestic abuse during the coronavirus lockdown. 

Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge, added: "Refuge has seen a huge increase in demand to its helpline and website services during Covid-19, which has shone a light on the thousands of women who need our support across the country right now.

"We are incredibly grateful to Chelsea Women for not only shining a light on domestic abuse, but also supporting us with a significant financial commitment - this is an incredible gesture."