An Enfield family who are supported by Noah's Ark children's hospice enjoyed a special treat this month - a visit to Tottenham Hotspur's training ground.
Natasha Anastasi and her three children Nikolas, 14, Iliana, 10, and Gabriella, 5, met and had shirts signed by Spurs' new head coach, Thomas Frank, who joined the club earlier this year.
Iliana has an underlying condition that affects many organs and systems, but primarily her skin, nervous system and eyes. For her first seven years she had no problems, but in October 2021 Iliana was diagnosed with an optic nerve glioma and the family were told she needed chemotherapy. It was while she was undergoing treatment that Iliana was referred to Noah’s Ark. Natasha said of the moment Iliana was diagnosed: ‘My world had fallen apart. I was scared and devastated.’
Iliana has recently received a good prognosis after many rounds of chemotherapy and is doing well.
Noah’s Ark children’s hospice has been Tottenham Hotspur’s official charity partner since 2016. By working together, they create special memories for children facing life-limiting or life-threatening condition and their families.
The special day for Iliana and her family included watching the first team train and having the players sign autographs. The visit was topped off by meeting the new head coach and telling him about their love of Spurs and the family’s history with Noah’s Ark.
Mum Natasha said: ‘We loved meeting Thomas, he was so interested in us and our story and made us feel so welcome. We chatted for a few minutes, and he said he wanted us to make the most of our experience at the training ground, which meant a lot to us. We have had three amazing experiences with Spurs: Nikolas being a mascot, attending James Maddison’s golf day, and then today – it is just amazing and shows the dedication and strength of relationship between the club and Noah’s Ark. We are very grateful.”
Thomas Frank said: “It was a real privilege meeting Iliana and her family today and hearing about the amazing work Noah’s Ark does for childrenwho are going through an incredibly tough time. It is so important that football clubs use their platform to support organisations making such a positive impact in their communities.”
Philip Roethenbaugh, fundraising and communications director at Noah’s Ark, said: “Our partnership with Tottenham Hotspur is very special to us. Being able to create amazing memories like today is what Noah’s Ark is all about, so we are so grateful that Spurs go above and beyond for the families we support. We are looking forward to creating more moments like this with Thomas in the future.”
Noah’s Ark children’s hospice helps babies, children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and their families, make the most of every day. The charity supports those who die young to do so in as much comfort as possible, surrounded by family. By providing exceptional care, organising fun activities and days out, Noah’s Ark helps families do things they never thought possible. They help those they support to enjoy life as children, rather than as patients; as families, not just as carers.
The hospice is based in Barnet and welcomes the referrals of babies, children and young people who meet their acceptance criteria and who live in the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Islington or Hertsmere. Noah’s Ark’s costs are currently over £7m per annum, the amount needed to provide essential services to babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell and their families.
Noah's Ark website
