He has played 1,364 football matches and scored an astonishing 1,283 goals. He is the only player to have won three FIFA World Cup titles (1958, 1962, 1970) and scored 97 goals in international matches for Brazil. No wonder he was nicknamed “The King of Football”.

Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pelé simply was and for many still is the most influential footballer in history - a world celebrity and football ambassador who is now a supporter of The Ben Nevis Challenge appeal. 

Drug addiction and its related troubles are issues too close to home for Pelé. In 2005, Pelé’s son Edinho, a former footballer himself, was arrested under charges of possession and trafficking of drugs, besides being accused of money laundering and involvement with organised crime. His court case is still ongoing. 

Pelé was greatly distraught over his son’s involvement in drugs and later expressed his feelings at a press conference saying, “Like any father, it's sad to see your son involved with groups like these, being arrested, because he will have to suffer the consequences." 

Pelé wholeheartedly supports the Ben Nevis Challenge appeal, as part of his long fight against drugs. He has signed an official shirt of the Brazilian National Team and donated it for funds to be raised towards the appeal. 

Bishop Renato said: “We are very grateful for Pelé’s support to the worthy cause of young men and women of Peckham. We hope that his initiative will inspire many people to do their part also. I urge everyone to click that ‘Donate NOW’ button on our site and be as generous as they can.”