Tottenham Hotspur player Destiny Udogie took time out his busy schedule to delight children at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in Barnet, North London on the 16th December 2024 with Christmas gifts including his own training and match day shirts!
There were seven families in attendance on the day, including, Hamza Palas, aged ten, from Enfield who was very excited to meet Destiny as he is a huge Spurs fan and attended with his mum Betul and dad Irfan. His sister Gulirem, aged 14, has a range of conditions including Diamond-Blackfan Anemia, Epilepsy and Microcephaly. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice has been supporting the family since 2012 and provide a range of support – from music therapy and family days, to home support volunteers.
Mum, Betul Palas said: ‘Having a special needs sibling isn’t easy for Hamza. He felt so happy and special today meeting Destiny and said it was a day he would never forget.’
Zareiya Barnes, aged 13, came to meet Destiny with her mum Victoria Charalambos both from Enfield. Zareiya’s brother Taner Cimener, aged six, has Menkes Disease which is a rare genetic disorder. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice has been supporting the family since 2019 and they access a range of services from the Family Link and Play Team and they also attend family and sibling events.
Mum, Victoria Charalambos, said: ‘It was a dream for Zareiya to meet Destiny, as she is football mad and hopes one day to play in the women’s league and she still has a smile plastered on her face.’
Christina Lucas-Dodsworth also came to meet the player with her sons Arthur Lucas, aged 1, and Joseph Dodsworth, aged 9, from Northwood who have been supported by Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice since March 2023. The referral came after they were told that Arthur had severe Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). Arthur has had music therapy, baby massage and movement therapy and his brother Joseph has received extensive sibling drama therapy.
Mum, Christina Lucas-Dodsworth, said: ‘Joseph was absolutely star struck walking in the room to meet Destiny and couldn’t quite believe that he was given this opportunity to meet one of his favourite players and to enjoy it with his little brother Arthur. We’d like to say the biggest thank you to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice for providing our little family with such incredible memories.’
Destiny Udogie, joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2022 from Italian club, Udinese. He has made 30 appearances in all competitions in 2023/24 and was shortlisted for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award. His visit is an example of the unforgettable experiences that Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice are able to provide for children and families, thanks to their generous celebrity supporters.
Destiny Udogie said: ‘Today was a humbling reminder of what truly matters. Spending time with the incredible kids at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and their families has left me inspired and grateful for the strength, courage, and love they show every day. A big thank you to the amazing team at Noah’s Ark for the work you do – you’re true heroes.’
