Child cancer patient’s dream comes true by walking out with Saints players

Charlie Travers, 12, and her nine-year-old sister, Chanel, played as mascots for Southampton FC Women’s Team against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday, September 22.

The 12-year-old was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in March and has been receiving chemotherapy at Southampton General Hospital since then.

Before the match, spectators linked arms around the pitch to represent the distance between Charlie’s home in Bitterne and Southampton General Hospital.

Her mum Colleen said: “Charlie had the best day.

Charlie (right) and her sister Chanel (left) inside the dressing room at St Mary’s Stadium (Image: Supplied)“She got to meet the players and walk out with them, go on the pitch and inside the dressing room; it was so special.

“Before the match, everyone at the game joined with us in a moment of togetherness and we all linked arms. I got goosebumps and we really felt the love.”

Chelsea and England defender Levi Colwill – who is from Southampton – also took time to meet Charlie’s family at St Mary’s Stadium.

Fans linking arms before the match (Image: Supplied)With fundraising taking place at the home of Southampton Football Club and a street-party event following the match that included live music, Colleen told the Echo that £14,000 was raised for three organisations.

“We were waiting on the final count and hoping to raise somewhere between £13,500 and £15,000 – in the end we managed £14,000 so we’re delighted,” said Colleen.

The money will be shared between Abby’s Heroes, Young Lives Versus Cancer and the Piam Brown Ward at Southampton General.

Colleen said: “Abby’s Heroes and Young Lives Versus Cancer have supported Charlie since her diagnosis and she receives her treatment on the Piam Brown Ward.

“The money raised is absolutely vital and the charities rely on donations, so we hope it will go to help children in a similar position to Charlie.”

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