Key Points
- Former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack donated £25,500 to the Royal Free Charity to support paediatric oncology services at Barnet Hospital.
- Funds raised through ‘A Night to Remember’, a charity boxing event organised by Stack on 18 October at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
- Event featured five bouts between ex-Premier League footballers, with training support from former professional boxers Darren Barker and James DeGale.
- Headline fight: former Tottenham player David Bentley vs ex-Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris.
- Other bouts: Curtis Davies vs Paddy Kenny, Leroy Lita vs David Noble, Lee Trundle vs Anthony Gardner, Greg Halford vs Marvin Elliott.
- Stack visited Barnet Hospital’s children’s ward, meeting patients like 11-year-old Mya, a football fan who completed treatment for a rare brain tumour.
- Donation supports the Helping Hands fund for paediatric oncology at Barnet Hospital.
- Stack praised hospital staff’s connection with parents and children, calling it “a little bit special”.
- Stack described the event as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life, surpassing some memorable football nights.
- Jon Spiers, chief executive of the Royal Free Charity, thanked Stack for his generosity and commitment to the north London community.
Who Organised the Charity Boxing Event and Why?
Graham Stack, the ex-Arsenal keeper known for his stints at clubs including Beverley and Hull City, spearheaded the initiative. As reported across multiple outlets covering the story, the event was his brainchild to channel his passion for community support into tangible aid.
Mr Stack explained his motivation stems from fatherhood. In statements widely quoted in initial coverage, he said:
“The charity’s work resonates with me because I have children.”
His visit to Barnet Hospital left a profound impression.
“I visited Barnet Hospital, and it blew me away straight away how connected the staff are with parents and the kids. When I got here and saw what they do – that was a little bit special for me,”
Stack shared during interactions at the ward.
During this visit, Stack met young patients, including 11-year-old Mya, an avid football fan who had just completed treatment for a rare brain tumour. These encounters reinforced his resolve, highlighting the human impact behind the fundraising.
What Was ‘A Night to Remember’ and How Did It Unfold?
The charity boxing spectacle, ‘A Night to Remember’, unfolded on 18 October at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London, transforming the venue into a battleground for goodwill. Five bouts pitted former Premier League stars against each other, blending athleticism with philanthropy.
Former professional boxers Darren Barker and James DeGale played pivotal roles, training the footballer participants to ensure safe and engaging fights. Their involvement elevated the event’s professionalism, drawing crowds and media attention.
The headline clash featured former Tottenham Hotspur winger David Bentley against ex-Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris, a matchup that captivated attendees with its rivalry-laden history. Other high-profile encounters included:
- Curtis Davies versus Paddy Kenny
- Leroy Lita versus David Noble
- Lee Trundle versus Anthony Gardner
- Greg Halford versus Marvin Elliott
These bouts not only raised funds but also fostered camaraderie among ex-players, turning personal rivalries into collective support for a vital cause. The evening’s success, culminating in £25,500 raised, was hailed by Stack as “one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
He elaborated:
“The sense of achievement I’ve had from this event alone has probably blown away some of the most memorable nights of my life in football.”
Reports from event coverage consistently noted the electric atmosphere, with proceeds directly earmarked for paediatric oncology support.
Where Will the £25,500 Donation Be Used?
The funds target the Royal Free Charity’s Helping Hands fund, specifically bolstering paediatric oncology services at Barnet Hospital in north London. This initiative aids children and families navigating cancer treatment, easing their hospital experiences through enhanced care and resources.
Barnet Hospital’s children’s ward, where Stack made his impactful visit, benefits directly. Encounters like that with 11-year-old Mya illustrate the ward’s role in treating complex cases, such as rare brain tumours, while maintaining strong family connections.
The donation addresses critical needs in an area where specialised paediatric cancer care demands ongoing support. By channeling event proceeds here, Stack’s effort promises to make treatments “gentler” for vulnerable patients.
How Did Graham Stack’s Visit to Barnet Hospital Inspire the Donation?
Stack’s recent tour of Barnet Hospital’s children’s ward proved transformative. Meeting patients like Mya, who beat a rare brain tumour and shares Stack’s love for football, humanised the cause for him.
He was particularly struck by the staff’s empathy.
“I visited Barnet Hospital, and it blew me away straight away how connected the staff are with parents and the kids,”
he recounted.
This connection, described by Stack as “a little bit special,” directly influenced his decision to organise the boxing event and donate the full £25,500 raised.
What Impact Did Meeting Patients Like Mya Have?
Mya, the 11-year-old football enthusiast, exemplifies the resilience the Helping Hands fund supports. Having just finished treatment, her story resonated deeply with Stack, bridging his football world with the hospital’s realities.
Such interactions underscore the donation’s potential: providing resources that extend beyond medical care to emotional support for families.
What Have Key Figures Said About the Donation?
Jon Spiers, chief executive of the Royal Free Charity, expressed profound gratitude. As reported in statements from charity officials, he said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Graham for his generosity. His donation will directly support children and families receiving cancer care at Barnet Hospital, helping to make their experience gentler. Graham’s commitment to giving back to the north London community is inspiring and we’re proud to have him as a supporter.”
Stack himself reflected on the personal fulfilment.
“The charity’s work resonates with me because I have children,”
he noted, tying his involvement to paternal instincts.
His post-event remarks further emphasised the triumph:
“The sense of achievement I’ve had from this event alone has probably blown away some of the most memorable nights of my life in football.”
These quotes, drawn from comprehensive coverage, highlight unanimous praise for Stack’s initiative.
Who Were the Key Participants in the Boxing Bouts?
The event’s rosters read like a who’s who of Premier League history:
- Headline fight: David Bentley (ex-Tottenham) vs Jody Morris (ex-Chelsea)
- Curtis Davies (ex-Premier League defender) vs Paddy Kenny (ex-goalkeeper)
- Leroy Lita (ex-striker) vs David Noble (ex-midfielder)
- Lee Trundle (ex-forward) vs Anthony Gardner (ex-defender)
- Greg Halford (ex-versatile player) vs Marvin Elliott (ex-midfielder)
Darren Barker and James DeGale, world-class boxers, ensured rigorous preparation, minimising risks while maximising spectacle.
Why Does This Matter for Paediatric Oncology at Barnet Hospital?
Paediatric oncology demands specialised, compassionate care, often strained by funding gaps. The Helping Hands fund fills these voids, supporting treatments for conditions like Mya’s rare brain tumour.
Stack’s £25,500 infusion directly aids this, enhancing staff-patient bonds Stack admired. In north London, where community ties run deep, such donations from local figures like the ex-Arsenal keeper amplify impact.
What Is Graham Stack’s Background in Football?
Graham Stack, a seasoned goalkeeper, rose through Arsenal’s youth ranks, making appearances for the Gunners before loans and moves to clubs like Reading, Millwall, and Leyton Orient. His career spanned over two decades, including stints in Scotland with Hearts and Dundee United.
Post-retirement, Stack has embraced coaching and now philanthropy, with this event marking a standout contribution.
How Does This Fit into Broader Charity Efforts by Ex-Footballers?
Events like ‘A Night to Remember’ reflect a growing trend among retired players giving back. Stack joins figures channeling fame into causes, particularly those affecting children.
The Royal Free Charity’s work at Barnet Hospital gains visibility through such high-profile support, potentially inspiring further donations.
