Everton FC fan appeals for Premier League kits ahead of his charity trip to Ethiopia

Jul 15 2010 by Tom Duffy, Ormskirk Advertiser

A WEST LANCASHIRE drama student is appealing for replica Everton and Liverpool FC shirts ahead of his charity trip to Ethiopia.

Thomas-Jan Johnston, 21, will be flying out to Africa next month with Roman Catholic charity Educate Ethiopia to teach children English and hopefully pass on his passion for Premiership football.

The Goodison Park regular, who lives on Mainswood Cranes Lane in Latham, wants to arrive in Africa's oldest independent country with a kit bag full of Everton FC and Liverpool FC shirts to start the ball rolling, and is now appealing for donations.

Thomas, whose mum is a 'scouser from Anfield' and dad is Dutch-Jamaican, completed a Diploma in acting last year at Liverpool Community College and hopes to win a place at RADA when he returns from the six-month charity trip to one of Africa’s poorest countries.

Recently he has been busy writing plays and topping up his income with the work as an extra and model.

The 21 year old, who has already established a theatre company Teddy Strings with a friend from college, and has even met Everton FC chairman Bill Kenwright who famously shares Thomas's twin passions for football and theatre.

Thomas has informed the club of his six months in Africa and Everton have offered him the chance to complete a coaching badge course with club before he flies out.

Thomas said: “This will be my first time in Africa. I know all about the Ethiopia's recent history of famine, and of Bob Geldof's campaigning in the 1980s.

“I just want to go out there and help.

“I am not the greatest footballer in the world but hopefully I can get the kids playing out there.

“My dream is to set up a mini Premier League out there for the kids.”

If you have a spare Premier League kit that is old or new email Thomas at tjjonston@yahoo.co.uk