It’s not often legendary Liverpool boss Bill Shankly was wrong – but when he mused: “Football isn’t a matter of life or death, it’s far more important than that” – he was completely and utterly incorrect.
Despite the deep and genuine passion sports fan show on a daily basis, our national game simply isn’t important when put in the context of a real life struggle for survival.
Which is why non-league Hitchin Town Football Club should be lauded for helping a brave little four-year-old in his fight to survive.
Hitchin lad Seraph Thomas is like many other four-year-olds. He likes dinosaurs, Lego and Minecraft. Most of all he loves his big brother Logan.
However, unlike most children his age he has high risk neuroblastoma which is an aggressive form of paediatric cancer.
For him to have vital treatment, £250,000 has to be raised – with the Fishponds Road outfit excelling once again.
The small club with the big heart are dedicating their home fixture against Bedworth on Saturday to raising as much hard cash as they can for courageous Seraph.
His mum Cassia said: “The kids are just kids. Logan is kind, and serious for a seven-year-old while Seraph is a cheerful four-year-old.
“We argue about what to have for dinner. We dance to bad music in the kitchen. We omit choice words in picture books for the word ‘bottom,’ and then laugh stupidly. We can never find shoes, are always late for school, and like to cheer on the good guys in movies.
“We are normal and boring...apart from the cancer. And, man, I wish we were boring there too.”
The Caring Canaries are hoping to fill buckets and buckets full of cash at Top Field on Saturday for Seraph.
They will also donate a share of the gate receipts to the cause in a bid to add to the £55,000 already raised to pay for the life-saving treatment in New York which Seraph needs desperately.
“When you’re pregnant you worry. Then they’re here. They take their first breath, their first smile, their first laugh, step, word and eventually you’re reassured,” Cassia explained in words so moving they lead your throat to catch.
“You stop worrying apart from whether they watch too much TV, or eat enough broccoli. Things are fine. They’re amazing.
“And then, suddenly, your ordinary, extraordinary, typical, special, unique kid has Stage 4 cancer – and everything changes.
“Everything is familiar and yet you recognise nothing.
“Here we are. It’s really lonely. And, yet, we’ve found a tonne of beautiful people to sit by us and wait...in the dark.
“And if you’re still reading, then you’re one of those people – so, thank you for bringing us a little light.”
Hitchin Town and Team Seraph would love as many of you as possible to attend Saturday’s game and donate whatever you can to help brave Seraph.
Kick-off is at 3pm. For more information follow @seraph_team, @HitchinTownFC, @Comet_Sport and @laythy29 on Twitter.
If you would like to donate visit solvingkidscancer.org.uk/campaigns/seraph/
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