Written by 
Since its inception over four years ago, he has helped more than 300 Hammers get jobs, grown the group to over 25,000 members, and supported over 50 charities and businesses within the local community. This year, Taylor and 17 others embarked on a three-day journey in a world-renowned adventure that saw him take on the highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales, raising just short of £26,000 for charity.
In recognition of his incredible efforts, Heineken rewarded Neil with an Ultimate Matchday Experience in hospitality at London Stadium this season, a signed shirt to auction off for local charities which achieved over £1,500 in donations and a huge merchandise donation of West Ham United gear to help Neil’s winter support campaign.
Having been told about his tale however, the Club and Heineken joined forces to go one step further, arranging for long-serving defender and current vice-captain Aaron Cresswell to surprise him during a tour of the Rush Green training facility.
“It was fantastic to meet Aaron,” said Taylor. “He’s an amazing person who is West Ham United through and through, and to stay at the Club for as long as he has is incredible. When he was reading out the message [from the Club and Heineken], it was a bit emotional, and for it to come from our vice-captain was very special.
“I’m really appreciative that Heineken have recognised the work that we do. I can’t thank them and the Club enough.
“West Ham means everything to me. I’ve been a supporter as long as I can remember. When we talk about the Academy of Football, I know exactly what that and the West Ham way means to people. If you’re a Hammer, you’re a Hammer, and I’ve got so many fond memories with this Club.
“My first memories of supporting the Club were when I lived five or six minutes from the ground in a block of flats called Jacob’s House, and I could actually see into the corner of the South Bank and the ‘Chicken Run’. If I opened my window I could hear the chants of the crowd.
“Living so close to the ground, me and a few friends would go over regularly. The first time I went to a game was around about 1968. I don’t remember the first game, but the second game I went to, we beat Sunderland 8-0, and [Geoff] Hurst got six goals. I used to earn some pocket money at games by looking after people’s cars. You’d stand there, look after people’s cars, and they’d give you a few shillings, but we’d go in and watch the game and leave a few minutes before full-time to be standing there for the people coming out.
“Among the highlights of my time being a fan are the recent success in Europe and that 1980 FA Cup win. To go to Wembley, win the FA Cup, and see my favourite player of all time, Billy Bonds, walk on to lift the trophy was a fantastic moment. He was a no-nonsense leader. A proper idol to me and someone I looked up to. I’ve been fortunate to meet him a few times and have been lost for words every time.”