Harry Kane made a surprise appearance at a charity gala dinner in aid of Centre Algarve at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last week. Harry joined members of the Spurs 1984 UEFA Cup-winning squad to mark the 35th anniversary of that memorable European triumph.
The popular striker thrilled fans as he attended the event before making a speech on stage and handing out commemorative caps, specially produced by Centre Algarve, to the former players who took part in that joyous run back in the early-1980s.
Legendary ex-defender Graham Roberts, a key figure and goalscorer in the victory over Anderlecht in the final, helped to organise the fundraising night in his role as a patron of Centre Algarve, the holiday centre in Moncarapacho for young people with special needs. “It’s 35 years next week since we won the cup and it’s absolutely amazing to have this gala dinner at the stadium,” said Harry. “It’s great to see all the boys including Steve Perryman, Steve Archibald, Paul Miller, Ossie Ardiles, Ricky Villa, Mark Falco, Gary Mabbutt, Micky Hazard and Chris Hughton.”
One of the shirts being used in the Champions League Final against Liverpool in Madrid next weekend was signed by Harry Kane and auctioned for £9000 with the England international centre-forward doubling the amount to £18,000.
Guests at the gala dinner included two young fans who have a special place in the hearts of Spurs fans everywhere – Marshall Janson and Ella Markham.
Andy Mahoney, the inspiration behind Centre Algarve, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support of Spurs fans who, together with the Spurs Legends and Harry Kane and his fellow squad members, have made this a memorable occasion. Significant funds will have been raised to enable us to provide more quality holiday experiences for young people with special needs both from Portugal and the UK.”
Centre Algarve will be holding a special Open Day on Saturday, August 3 when they will be supporting the BBC Children in Need Appeal along with Paralympic medallist Anne Warfula Strike MBE and Pudsey Bear. If you would like to join Anne and Pudsey by volunteering your services and/or raising funds, contact Tom Willis on (00 351) 962 812 230 or email belinda@centrealgarve.org
By CHRIS WRIGHT
