Raheem Sterling wants to help those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire (Picture: Getty)

Manchester City star Raheem Sterling is to make a ‘substantial donation’ to help out families affected by the Grenfell Tower fire in Kensington this week.

The England international has said he was saddened by the incident, which has led to 17 confirmed deaths so far, and wants to do what he can to help with something he described as close to his heart.

The tower block went up in flames in the early hours of Wednesday morning and has left those who did survive without their homes and possessions, leading Sterling to express his desire to make a personal contribution to those affected.

Sterling wants to make a ‘substantial donation’ to families, say reports (Picture: Getty)
A fire broke out at the Grenfell Tower block on Wednesday morning (Picture: Getty)
People have donated clothes to the victims nearby (Picture: Getty)
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has visited families at the scene (Picture: Getty)

‘This is a deep and sad situation, one close to my heart and hard to swallow. But I’d like to help in the best way I can,’ Sterling is quoted by the BBC.

‘It’s only a small step but small steps lead to big changes if we come together.

‘My condolences to the affected families.’

Sterling grew up in north west London, and started his career at Queens Park Rangers, who are based just a mile away from Grenfell Tower.

Searches go on at the building for people still missing since the fire, with the death toll expected to rise.

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