An auction of Tottenham Hotspur player’s football shirts has raised over £45,000 for a north London children’s hospice, bringing the club’s total fundraise to over £50,000.

Ham & High: Luke was invited to join the manager at the pre-match press conference.Luke was invited to join the manager at the pre-match press conference. (Image: @2015 Shawn Anderson, Light Shaping Photography, All Rights Reserved.)

The auction follows a charity partnership announced by the football club and the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and sold shirts worn by players during the North London Derby game against rival club Arsenal.

Noah’s Ark provides support for children with life-limiting illnesses across Haringey, Barnet and Camden and has been fundraising to build a hospice building in order to help more families.

Noah’s Ark chief executive Ru Watkins said, “Our two year partnership with Tottenham Hotspur is off to a flying start. The response, from day one, has been fantastic. The generosity of fans, together with all their good wishes, are hugely appreciated. In messages of support, a great many have been saying they are really pleased to see both their passions brought together in this partnership.

“We’re extremely grateful and the families we support are truly moved by such overwhelming interest. Thank you.”

Ham & High: Luke said that after shaking hands with the team, he was 'never going to wash again'.Luke said that after shaking hands with the team, he was 'never going to wash again'. (Image: @2015 Shawn Anderson, Light Shaping Photography, All Rights Reserved.)

The charity partnership has now raised over £50,000 in two weeks.

Prior to the game, Spurs invited children form the hospice to join them at their pre-match press conference and training.

One excited guest was Spurs fan Luke Langton who was invited to join manager Mauricio Pochettino at the press conference to be quizzed by reporters.

Luke said: “The players came up to me and shook my hand so I am never going to wash again. It was even better than I thought it would be.”

Ham & High: Noah's Ark volunteers collecting donations at the North London Derby on March 5.Noah's Ark volunteers collecting donations at the North London Derby on March 5. (Image: Archant)

During the match, Luke’s story was played on the jumbotron to cheering crowds and the Spurs ambassador, legendary former player Gary Mabbutt, urged supporters to join with fundraising for the charity.