When Thomas met Iliana

Thomas Frank today met with a family supported by the Club’s official charity partner, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, during a heartwarming encounter at our Training Centre.

Our head coach took time out before training on Tuesday to meet with Iliana, an incredibly courageous young fan, as well as her mum and siblings.

Iliana was born with an underlying condition that affects her organs and nervous systems. Largely unaffected for the first seven years of her life, Iliana suddenly suffered an optic nerve glioma in October 2021. Iliana has since gone through several rounds of chemotherapy, during which time she was referred to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. While she still has a fight on her hands, her latest prognosis following the treatment was very positive.

Iliana’s family are passionate Spurs supporters and have been involved in activations the Club has undertaken with the charity, including attending James Maddison’s annual celebrity golf day in 2024, which was dedicated to Noah’s Ark and subsequently raised an incredible £75,000 to support its vital work. Her brother, Nikolas, also walked out with the team as a mascot during a home fixture last season.

A special day for Iliana and her family included watching the first-team train and autograph signing with the players but was topped off by the meeting with our head coach, where they discussed their love of Spurs and the family’s history with Noah’s Ark.

Iliana’s mother, 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 children, like Iliana, who 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.”

Noah's Ark Children's Hospice has been a proud partner of the Club since 2016. The charity supports babies, children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and their families, in north and central London, helping them to make the most of every day.