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A keen footballer and public health professional, Abdul lives and works in Liberia, one of the poorest countries in the world and one that has endured two civil wars and a devastating Ebola epidemic. Yet through challenge and change, Abdul’s passion for helping others and his love for Nottingham Forest have remained constants.

Abdul first came to Nottingham in 2017 to study for a Master’s degree in Public Health at Nottingham Trent University. During that time, he found a love for Nottingham Forest.

It wasn’t long before his allegiance shifted from Liverpool – a well-supported club in his home nation of Liberia – to Nottingham Forest. Today, his pride for the Reds runs deep enough that he persuaded his local authority to name the road where he lives in the capital, Monrovia, to Nottingham Forest Road, a small piece of Nottingham in the heart of Liberia.

Abdul is also the volunteer representative in Liberia for The Helen Loewenstein Memorial Trust (HLMT), a Nottingham-based charity that supports student midwives in Liberia who otherwise could not afford to qualify.

The Trust was founded in memory of Helen Loewenstein, a Nottingham-born midwife who studied at the University of Nottingham and worked at Nottingham City Hospital. Helen dedicated her career to improving maternal care in developing countries. During her time in Liberia in 2016 and 2017, she helped deliver life-saving midwifery training for hundreds of health workers. Following her tragic death, HLMT was created to continue her mission.

Through HLMT, grants are provided to cover course fees and essential study costs for aspiring midwives in Liberia, helping to build a stronger, safer future for mothers and babies across the country.

Abdul plays a vital role in making this possible. He attends college interviews to help select students who meet HLMT’s criteria: academically strong, financially in need, and committed to working in rural Liberia. He helps to source authentic Liberian Lapa fabrics that the Trust turns into handmade merchandise to raise funds. He also supports relationships with key stakeholders and represents HLMT at graduation ceremonies, congratulating new midwives on behalf of the trustees.

Abdul returned to Nottingham earlier this year, and Community Trust staff had the opportunity to meet him, hear his incredible story, learn about the work he does, and celebrate his love for the Tricky Trees.

Abdul said: “Nottingham Forest is more than a team to me, it feels like home. Supporting Forest through a time when many doubted we’d ever play in the Premier League required belief, and my love for the club grew with every match. I watched with joy, sharing in the highs and the challenges, always believing in the spirit of the Forest community. Nottingham will always be in my heart because of Nottingham Forest and The Helen Loewenstein Memorial Trust. ”

Calum Osborne, CEO of Nottingham Forest Community Trust said: “We are incredibly proud of The Helen Loewenstein Memorial Trust and the life-changing work they are doing in Liberia.

“Abdul embodies that commitment on the ground, supporting aspiring midwives and ensuring Helen’s legacy continues. His dedication is an inspiration, and a reminder of the real difference one person can make.”

At Nottingham Forest Community Trust, we’re proud to know that one of our club’s supporters is not only flying the flag for Forest around the world but also changing lives through a Nottingham-based charity that’s making a real difference in Liberia.

Find out more about The Helen Loewenstein Memorial Trust and their life-changing work here.