Kevin Jenkins OBE

Claret and Hugh is saddened to hear the death of West Ham supporter Kevin Jenkins OBE, who passed away on Wednesday. The following is a tribute from his wife Paula and his family:

‘It is with great sadness we inform you that our beloved Kevin Jenkins OBE, founder of AAA and life president of Community Links which he co-founded over 40 years ago, passed away on Wednesday 7th April 2021. He was an incredible man who achieved so much during his lifetime, including an OBE, creating two very successful charities, a Beacon Award, over 25 years’ service as a Councillor and the freedom of the London Borough of Newham. He was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, godfather, the most wonderful dad to his four children and a role model that his wife and children can always be proud of – he was and always will be their hero. 

Kevin was an outstanding fundraiser full of new ideas and initiatives every day, to raise support for the vulnerable and those in need – he dedicated his life to making life better for others. He has left us all heartbroken, but we must hold on to the legacy he built during his amazing life. He always believed that children can achieve anything despite their background or circumstances. He was a people person who everyone loved and admired, always putting others before himself. He was a truly selfless man who touched the lives of so many. 

A pillar of the community, a life-long West Ham United fan and a collector with so many interests. We have a hole left in our lives that can never be replaced. Mr Kevin John Jenkins, our forever hero’.

Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA) which Kevin founded is an official Charity Partner of West Ham United. Former West Ham chairman Terence Brown, one of the charity’s patrons most notably with the opening of The Terence Brown Arc In The Park in Canning Town.

The project was funded in part by donations from Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold, both of whom attended the opening ceremony in April 2017 with Kevin.