The Geoff Thomas Foundation partnership with The Football Association has enabled four young football fans to become international team mascots..
Brave Ben Smith, aged nine, from Kettering, who suffers from leukaemia, was in the official line up with the Slovakia team when they played England.
Ben Smith at Wembley
Ben went to the game with his dad, Jason, and grand-dad, Ron Clarke. His mum, Anita, said: “He had a fantastic day and was so proud to be on the pitch at Wembley. I was at home watching on TV and he looked so smart. I could see the pride on his face. It was a wonderful experience for him.” Ben is receiving treatment at Leicester Royal Infirmary and his dad has given up work to become his full-time carer. The family faces a two-hour journey each time Ben has treatment in hospital.
Stoke Poges youngster, Ben Woodward, was a mascot when England played Ukraine at Wembley. It was a dream come true for eight-year-old Arsenal supporter Ben, who suffers with haemophilia. He receives treatment at home three times a week administered by his mum, Tracy, who also copes with two other sons with the condition.
Ben Woodward (centre) on international duty
Mum, Tracy, said: “It was a really special moment to watch Ben walking out onto the pitch with the teams at such an important match at Wembley. He copes very well with haemophilia and enjoys a very active life. We are so proud of him.”
Also in the line-up for Ukraine, was Mildenhall youngster, Sam Sharp. The seven-year-old West Ham supporter has successfully battled leukaemia after being diagnosed with the disease when he was just three years old. He received treatment at Addenbrooks Hospital in Cambridge.
Sam enjoys the Wembley atmosphere
Ben’s mum, Sarah, said: “It was a really great to watch Sam walking out onto the pitch with the teams. He has gone through a lot over the last few years, with all the treatment he has endured, but he is a special boy who has come out on top. We are so proud of him and call him our little hero.”
Football mad Mapperley youngster Thomas Holmes had the honour of being a mascot for the England U21 match against France hosted at the Forest’s City Ground.
Thomas Flies The Flag For Forest
The eleven-year-old Forest season ticket holder has successfully battled leukaemia after being diagnosed with the illness seven years ago. He was treated at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Hospital.
His dad John, a life-long Forest fan, said: “We were so proud to watch Thomas walking out onto the pitch with the teams. Football and the City Ground are a big part of his life. He attended his first game when he first started his treatment for leukaemia and he’s been an avid fan ever since.
“He has gone through a lot over recent years with all the treatment he has endured but he is a special boy who has come out on top. I always tell him to keep his chin up about Forest and that he’ll see us back in the Premiership one day soon!”
Geoff Thomas said: We are so grateful to The Football Association for helping to make dreams come true for these brave young people. I know how hard it is to battle against a life-threatening illness and goodness only knows what it must be like to face treatment when you’re a child. I know too how difficult it is for the families. I am so proud that the GTF and The FA have given these lads a day to remember.”
The Geoff Thomas Foundation was formed after Geoff survived leukaemia. The GTF is trying to raise funds for blood cancer nurses and is campaigning to establish a treatment network at hospitals in Oxford, Birmingham, Cambridge, Nottingham, London and Manchester.
