Charity gets a kick out of help from Arsenal FC

06 September 2007

Adam Baker

A CHARITY in Hampstead is celebrating after a generous one-two from the Premier League and Arsenal.

The Lowe Syndrome Trust has received a £2,000 boost as part of a scheme where top flight clubs choose local charities for the Premier League to help out.

Arsenal picked the Hampstead-based organisation that supports youngsters with Lowe Syndrome - a rare genetic condition which affects the brain, eyes, kidneys, bones and muscles.

Lorraine Thomas, who lives in West Heath Road, set up the charity with her husband seven years ago after her son Oscar was diagnosed with the condition.

She said: "I know how hard it is raising funds and this amount will help us enormously in funding a new research project into the disease in the hope of better treatment and eventually a cure.

"I founded the charity seven years ago to support medical research into Lowe Syndrome, a rare incurable children's disease which sadly leads to a short life expectancy."

The cash windfall is part of the Premier League's Place for Players initiative, where the 20 clubs in the league are given money to donate to local charities.

The Lowe Syndrome is one of more than 20 charities handpicked by the Gunners.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "We wanted to help as many good causes as possible through the Places for Players initiative, and so I hope the £2,000 donation will help them to continue their fantastic work."

The money is vital as there is currently no government spending or support for Lowe Syndrome. The Thomas family have been left to raise money and awareness for other families in similar tragic predicaments.

"I got an e-mail from David Cameron wishing me well but that was about it," said Ms Thomas.

However, the glamorous worlds of celebrity and football have been more financially supportive. Patron Penny Lancaster, who is married to Rod Stewart, donated the fee she received from Hello magazine for her wedding photos to the cause.

And last year Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini became a patron of the charity, joining the Hampstead actor Tom Conti and TV presenter Jonathan Ross, who lives in Hampstead Garden Suburb.

A charity dinner and auction to raise money will be hosted by Jonathan Ross later this month in Soho with a menu created by Jean-Christophe Novelli.

o For further information visit www.lowetrust.com.