The British Red Cross has been named as the official charity partner of the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships ©British Red Cross

The British Red Cross has been named as the official charity partner of the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships, which are scheduled to begin here today.

The charity will "celebrate all that is good about the emergency services and the London community" across the 10-day event.

It has been on the ground in response to recent terrible events in London, offering support after the terrorist attacks in Westminster, London Bridge and Finsbury Park, and the Grenfell Tower disaster which claimed the lives of at least 80 people.

The charity has been providing practical and emotional support to survivors, their families and the wider community, and raising money for the victims and their families.

All of the money raised from the Para Athletics partnership will be split between the UK Solidarity Fund, supporting victims of terror attacks anywhere in the United Kingdom, and the London Fire Relief Fund, which helps people affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster.

"We are very pleased to welcome the British Red Cross as the charity partner of the World Para Athletics Championships," Niels de Vos, Championship Director of London 2017, said.

"They have proved to be invaluable to the London community over the past few months and we look forward to welcoming them to London Stadium to celebrate the emergency services and all associated with them."

British Red Cross is offering support in response to recent terrible events in London, including the Grenfell Tower disaster ©Getty Images
British Red Cross is offering support in response to recent terrible events in London, including the Grenfell Tower disaster ©Getty Images

Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, added: "We are proud to be the official charity for the World Para Athletics Championships. 

"It means a huge amount to us to have this recognition of our volunteers’ work over the past few months in the response to the awful attacks on Westminster, London Bridge, and Finsbury Park, as well as the Grenfell Tower disaster.

"We exist to help people in crisis, be that in the UK or abroad. 

"In every one of these terrible circumstances, there have been the most inspirational acts of kindness, bravery and humanity. 

"This event is a moment to consider all that is good about the emergency services and the capital’s community."

To find out how to donate to either or both of these funds, visit the British Red Cross website here.

The World Para Athletics Championships precede the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships, which are scheduled to take place here from August 4 to 13.

London 2017 marks the first time ever that both the World Para Athletics Championships and IAAF World Championships are being held in the same city in the same summer.