‘I’ve scored thousands of goals’
WHEN schoolgirl striker Hope Walton runs on to the football pitch, her determined attitude gives a little insight into her life story.
To watch her play, she’s a fun-loving nine-year-old who loves the beautiful game, but behind her tackles is a youngster with a special tale to tell.
From the moment she was born Hope proved she was a little fighter.
She arrived into the world with a complex heart condition as well as a defective spleen, which caused her to require three open heart operations.
She went into surgery at just three months old and had her second and third operations at the age of two and three.
Despite being left with half a working heart and needing a daily concoction of medication, Hope is determined to live life to the full.
She plays football for the Felling Magpies Girls’ team playing for the under 10s.
Hope, from Hebburn, South Tyneside, who wears the number 6 shirt, said: “I’ve always loved playing football.
“When I was five I started playing for the Felling Magpies Under 7s with the boys, there was only one other girl on the team.
“Then when I was seven I chose to go with the girls’ team. I now play for the Under 10s but I’m only nine and I’m their striker. I’ve scored thousands of goals since I’ve been playing.”
Hope, a pupil at St James’ RC School, who describes her heart as “special”, added: “Last year my team won the Skegness tournament and because we won that we got to go to St George’s Park, which is England’s training ground – and we won that tournament. We ended up winning the ESF Champions. I just love football.”
Mum Debbie, who also has other daughter Shanae, five, said: “Hope was born with a twisted heart which had two big holes in it and a narrow valve. We knew she needed operations so we called her Hope because we hoped she would be OK.”
Medics bypassed the right side of Hope’s heart to leave the left side working.
“Eventually she will need a transplant at some point in her life but we don’t know when,” added Debbie.
“It’s never stopped her, she learnt to ride her bike when she was at nursery and she’s football-mad, she just wants to meet the Newcastle United players and her favourite, Matt Ritchie.
“She’s an inspiration, she doesn’t let anything bother her, she’s always so happy. “Hope is always kicking a football around, she’s also on the girls’ football team at school. “She’s so energetic when she’s on the pitch that no one would ever know what is going on inside. “She is so sociable and hospital is a walk in the park. I’m very proud of her.” Last month Hope was among 23 inspirational kids who earned themselves a Braveheart award at a ceremony at St James’ Park in Newcastle. Fighting life-threatening illnesses, each of the brave youngsters face adversity with a smile. The ceremony was hosted by charity trustee Chris Metcalfe and awards were presented by BBC Look North Presenter Carol Malia and Newcastle United legend and former captain Bobby Moncur. Head of girls’ football at Felling Magpies, Trevor Morl, said: “As one of the founder members of Felling Magpies Girls, Hope has been an inspiration to us all and she is a great ambassador for the club, always helping to welcome new girls in and accepting the Gateshead sports club of the year award in 2018. “She is never frightened to take on any challenge set in front of her and always gives it her all. A true grassroots hero.”