Spurs stars in ‘kickabout’ with hospice children

Spurs Women’s captain Bethany England and winger Hayley Raso spent an afternoon with children at a hospice having a kickabout and meeting their mums and dads.

The children they played with at Noah's Ark Children's Hospice included six-year-old Willow, who was diagnosed with Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy when she was just 18 months old.

Willow was the star of the charity’s recent ‘From that Moment’ campaign, supported by Tottenham Hotspur FC, that has raised £1 million to help meet the annual £6m running costs.

“It was so great to see the smiles on the kids’ faces in spite of the challenges they are facing,” Bethany said. “We learned about the incredible care that Noah’s Ark is giving to these families.”

Bethany's teammate Hayley Raso was also impressed by the hospice facilities. She said: “The building is absolutely beautiful — it was a joy to meet with some of the families supported by the charity.”

The hospice in High Barnet supports babies, children, and young people with life-limiting or threatening conditions to make the most of every day.

One of the parents, Simon, whose daughter Ruby is supported by the hospice, said: “Ruby loves coming to Noah’s Ark and always gets excited when we are driving over.

“So many lovely memories have been made here. It was lovely meeting Beth and Hayley who took the time to play with Ruby and Willow — even getting in the ball-pit.”

Spurs men’s team vice-captain James Maddison toured the facilities earlier this year when he looked round the Therapies wing and accessible playground then gave the families a hamper of Spurs-themed games and toys. He also dedicated his annual golf day to the hospice in May that raised £75,000.

Noah’s Ark takes referrals from the London boroughs of Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Camden and Islington, as well as from Hertsmere in Hertfordshire.

Spurs’ north London Derby fixture against Arsenal Women on November 16 is being dedicated to Noah’s Ark. Fans can donate through volunteers in the White Hart Lane stadium and outside Seven Sisters Underground station in Tottenham.

Wellwishers can also help Noah’s Ark by sending a “NOAH” text to 70490 to donate £10 at one standard network rate message.