Latest News

Havering Royals Youth FC donated with Defibrillator thanks to London Hearts and Spurs FC!

26 January 2023

Havering Royals Youth FC have been donated with a lifesaving heart defibrillator thanks to our Charity Grant Funding and the fundraising event carried out by Dr Gant at Spurs FC, who undertook the Ride for Ugo Fundraiser.

Highly respected former Premier League player, England international and progressive young coach, Ugo Ehiogu passed away from cardiac arrest in 2017.

Last April saw the fifth anniversary of Ugo's passing and to celebrate his life, over a five day period, Laurence cycled between all the football clubs that Ugo player for. Laurence and his wife raised an incredible £18,085 to provide heart defibrillators and CPR training to grass roots football. 



During the challenge, Laurence started at Glasgow Rangers, then Middlesbrough, Leeds United, Sheffield, United and arrived at Aston Villa on 9th April. The final leg of the journey included cycling from Villa Park to the Club's training centre, Hotspur Way.

Laurence said: “Ugo was a great believer in helping others but also in the power of football. Football is an amazing sport that not only allows people to exercise, but to also join a community providing support and help to others. If the unimaginable happens, the presence of a defibrillator increases your chance of survival from 6% to 74%... Together, we can #DoSomethingKind

Jo Lovell, Operations Manager at London Hearts, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Laurence on his momentous challenge. London Hearts is the UK’s largest charity specialising in the procurement and supply of life-saving heart defibrillators. We are extremely grateful to Laurence and his wife Catherine who raised funds for London Hearts, with all proceeds going towards providing heart defibrillators across the country.

Need to catch up? Watch us on Spurs TV!

Ugo believed in helping others, and in his now famous last tweet, even encouraged people to do #DoSomethingKind. London Hearts are delighted we could help make a local grassroots football club become a little more heart-safe, in memory of Ugo's legacy.

We welcome applications from any organisation or charity around the UK! Apply online here

Have a project in mind? Give us a call on 02070432493 or drop us an email at info@londonhearts.org