Tottenham Tribute Trust
For every legend there is a forgotten hero - The Tottenham Tribute Trust is here to help them all
The Tottenham Tribute Trust is an organisation dedicated to serving the needs of former Spurs stars who find themselves in a situation that compromises their quality of life. It is an organisation that reaches out to members of the Spurs family who are fighting hard times either financially, medically or both and is dedicated to making sure that no former Spurs player is forgotten.
At Tottenham Hotspur, we have been privileged to witness a glittering array of football legends and heroes, who have helped create a history and football tradition that we can be proud of. However, some of these players graced the field at a time when the financial rewards were poor and sacrifices were great. These individuals now need our help and others, maybe even heroes and legends of the more recent past will need our help in the years to come.
Through fund-raising events and generous donations, the Tottenham Tribute Trust has already been able to help a variety of former legends such as Les Allen, Eddie Baily, Ted Ditchburn, Tommy Harmer and Bobby Smith.
Alan Mullery (1964-72, 373 appearances, 30 goals)
''Well done, Tottenham, and well done The Tottenham Tribute Trust! What a marvellous boost you offer to the very icons that made our club a truly great institution. Over your six years of inauguration, it's been truly superb to see heroes of the past are able to walk again, or free of pain. Many plied their wares in our colours in much less lucrative times. The Tribute Trust has become their legacy. You should be very proud of your excellent and heart-warming achievements.''
Bobby Smith (1955-64, 317 appearances, 208 goals)
''I'm indebted to the Tottenham Tribute Trust for their kindness and help. Having aided me, twice, with hip and leg problems, they saved us inordinate amounts of time and worry waiting for operations, and in handling the administrative side of my hospitalisation. Jean and I could never have afforded that treatment out of our weekly pensions or known who to turn to for that kind of help. The Trust is a godsend."
Jean Harmer (Wife of Tommy Harmer - 1951-60, 222 appearances, 51 goals)
''Tom and I were of an era that was loathed to ask for help. Our generation just didn't do that! When Tom's dementia was worsening, I had also suffered a traumatic colon cancer operation, and initially refused their help because I was lost in a daily routine of worry about Tom, and for our future. I can't speak highly enough of their kindness and professionalism, and how they guided me through Tom's final days. I don't know what I'd have done without their timely intervention.''
The Tottenham Tribute Trust seeks to continue to build a sizeable fund for the purpose of being able to look after the needs of any former Spurs player, from medical to practical.
We are here to help give a little back to those who have given generations of joy in the Lilywhite shirt.
Your support would be both welcomed and appreciated.
Tottenham Tribute Trust: Your Charity - Our Heroes
The Tottenham Tribute Trust was formed out of an initiative between the Club and the founder trustees.
The Tottenham Tribute Trust relies on donations to continue helping members of the wider Spurs family who are in need.
You can make a donation by visiting the Trust's dedicated website.
The Lane, The Finale: Proudly Supporting the Tottenham Tribute Trust
This news article was posted on 28 April, 2017
• Club has designated the Tottenham Tribute Trust to be the charity supported throughout The Finale of White Hart Lane
• Unique charity is dedicated to serving the needs of former Spurs players who find themselves in a situation that compromises their quality of life
• Special edition memorabilia to raise funds for the Tottenham Tribute Trust
The Club has designated the Tottenham Tribute Trust, a charity that serves the needs of its former players, to benefit from activity during The Finale of our historic White Hart Lane stadium.
The Club is set to play its last ever match at the 118-year-old venue against Manchester United on Sunday, May 14, before it is demolished to make way for a new 61,000-seat world class stadium.
The Tottenham Tribute Trust is the first of its kind, established by the Club in 2002 and run by a board of independent and voluntary trustees, dedicated to serving the needs of former players who find themselves in a situation that compromises their quality of life.
It is an organisation that reaches out to members of the Spurs family who are facing difficulty either financially, medically or both.
Many of the greats that the charity has aided over the years have been involved in some of White Hart Lane’s most memorable moments that are being highlighted and celebrated during its Finale.
Beneficiaries have included members of the Club’s famous 1961 Double-winning side such as Les Allen and the late Bobby Smith, the captain of the Club’s 1971 League Cup and 1972 UEFA Cup successes Alan Mullery and, most recently, Jimmy Greaves – the Club’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Daniel Levy, Chairman, Tottenham Hotspur, said: “The Club decided that there could not be a more appropriate organisation to benefit from the celebrations around The Finale of White Hart Lane than the Tottenham Tribute Trust.
“Given the role it has played in serving the needs of former players that have created so many special memories at the Lane over the years, we feel that this is the right time at which to raise awareness of the charity’s fantastic work.
“Caring for the wider Spurs family has always been an integral part of what our Club is about.”
Jonathan Adelman, Chair of the Tottenham Tribute Trust, said: “It is fantastic to receive the support of the Club and will be a fitting way of celebrating the achievements of the Tottenham Tribute Trust to date. The funds raised will enable us to continue to help those who helped make White Hart Lane such a special place for Spurs fans.
“The Club had the foresight to establish the Tottenham Tribute Trust so that there is a very clear facility through which to provide care to its former players.
“Tottenham Hotspur is unique as a Club in doing this and the Tottenham Tribute Trust is something that all fans should be extremely proud of.”
Jean Harmer, the widow of Tommy Harmer, who made 222 appearances between 1951-60, said: “Tom and I were of an era that was loathed to ask for help – our generation just didn't do that. When Tom's dementia was worsening, I had also suffered a traumatic colon cancer operation and initially refused any help because I was lost in a daily routine of worry; about Tom, and for our future. I can't speak highly enough of the Trust’s kindness and professionalism, and how they guided me through Tom's final days. I don't know what I'd have done without their timely intervention.”
Proceeds to the Tottenham Tribute Trust will come from several sources during The Finale of White Hart Lane, including the sale of highly valuable memorabilia.
Shirts worn by the team during the Manchester United match will be signed by the players and auctioned for the charity.
Fans attending the game will be able to purchase a special edition A4 commemorative matchday programme for £10 with proceeds going to the Tottenham Tribute Trust.
The Club has produced an exclusive pin badge now available in all Club retail stores and online for a minimum donation of £3 to the Tottenham Tribute Trust.
