When Chiswick School Children Gave Muhammad Ali a Cake

Were you one of the group who met the legendary boxer in 1979?

Muhammad Ali with the children of Acton Green Middle School. Picture: Alamy

The sad passing of Muhammad Ali will be extra poignant for those in a group of Chiswick school children who were lucky enough to meet the great man.

In January 1979 he came to London and was presented with a birthday cake by pupils from Acton Green Middle School.

They were at a screening of the documentary film 'Bangladesh I Love You' at the Classic I, Haymarket attended by Ali who has a leading role in the film.

The film tells the story of Ali's visit to the country in 1978 when 2 million people turned up at Dhaka airport to great him. He was given a Bangladeshi passport and on being presented with it said, “If I get kicked out of America, I have another home.”

Ali had come to London for a benefit variety show for former British Heavyweight Joe Erskine, at the Rainbow Theatre and met the children from Chiswick the following morning.

Acton Green Middle School, which was on Acton Lane, closed shortly after the picture was taken.

If you are pictured with Muhammad Ali above or met him on his visit in 1979, we would love to hear from you. Please contact: editor@chiswickw4.com.

June 6, 2016