Alonso's big day

The Club is celebrating the first year of its Official Charity Partnership with Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice at this Sunday’s match with Everton at the Lane, which marks a very special occasion for 10-year-old Spurs fan Alonso, who has been supported by the charity since birth.

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice provides care and support to children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, with the aim of enabling them to live life as fully as possible, regardless of cognitive or sensory ability.

The two-year partnership sees the Club help raise awareness of North London’s only ‘Hospice at Home’ service and drives the recruitment of volunteers via high profile events and the support of First Team players, while helping to create ‘Precious Moments’ for children like Alonso and their families.

Below: Alonso meets Mousa!

Alonso is now benefitting from a good period of health, after spending much of his early life in hospital with a complex bowel condition known as short-gut syndrome, which eventually required a transplant in 2011. He is delighted to be well enough to lead the team out as a mascot against Everton.

This completes a whirlwind week for the youngster, as he got the chance to meet Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele on Thursday - who was volunteering at a Noah’s Ark charity shop in Barnet.

Speaking at the event, Alonso’s mum Enkelejda said: “This is all a dream come true for Alonso. He is such a big fan, with so much to say about the game. We can’t believe how lucky he is to meet Mousa today and have the experience of being a mascot on Sunday.

“We’ve been supported by Noah’s Ark since he was a baby and there are no words to describe how important the charity has been to us.”

For more information on how to donate or volunteer, visit www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk