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      How Maurice Hope MBE overcame racist hate that forced him out of his home to become a legendary boxing world champion

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      MAURICE HOPE — because of his nasty, contemptible, bigoted neighbours — endured far more pain outside the ring than he did from the blows he took in his illustrious career.Antiguan-born Hope, 72 is the son of parents who were part of the Windrush generation that arrived from the West Indies in the 1950s.Maurice Hope MBE overcame racist hate to become boxing world championCredit: Darren FletcherHope’s parents moved with him to the UK from the West Indies in the 1950sCredit: GettyMo went on to achieve boxing success in the UK representing Great Britain at the 1972 OlympicsCredit: GettyMo was nine years old when he left the sunshine and the island’s 365 beaches to join them in the cold, grey streets of Hackney in East London.And like so many Caribbean kids of that era he made a huge and triumphant success of his life thanks to boxing.It began when one of his brothers persuaded a reluctant Mo to join the famous Repton Club, which led him to represent Great Britain at the 1972 Munich Olympics.And it was there for the first time the schoolboy was subjected to personal racism — if only he knew worse was yet to come.READ MORE IN BOXINGReflecting on that shameful experience Mo — now honoured with  an MBE for services to boxing — said: “Of course, it still hurts.“But eventually I learned how to use that hate to my advantage.When he turned pro in seven years from 1973 the fired-up Mo became British, Commonwealth, European and world light-middleweight champ, making history as the first black British immigrant to win a world title.The boy who used to play barefoot in the sugar- cane fields on the island of his birth had, against all the odds, achieved fame and fortune.Most read in BoxingMo moved his wife and children out of Hackney when he bought a £125,000 house (£3million in today’s money) in up-market Winchmore Hill one of North London’s leafy havens for rich celebrities. Rod Stewart lived close by.I went there to write a ‘didn’t he do well’ feature for SunSport and Mo proudly showed me his large stately home with its three-car garage, landscaped gardens and open-air swimming pool.The heartbreaking chance meeting between Muhammad Ali and Colin Hart where boxing legend revealed ‘I’m not scared to die’Mo never mentioned the fear and loathing he and his family were suffering and I assumed that he was enjoying a thoroughly-deserved idyllic lifestyle.It was only this week when I read fellow writer Ron Shillingford’s up-lifting biography — aptly titled Land of Hope and Glory — that I found out the truth.He revealed that the couple Hope were buying the house from told him people in the street had begged them not to sell to black people.Needless to say when the Hopes moved in they were ostracised and then the vile, abusive threatening letters began to arrive.“Go back to Africa”, and “Go back to the jungle or we will burn your house down” are just a couple of the threats that came through their letterbox.When Hope informed the police he was advised to install state-of-the-art security and when he was away training his wife Pat was so scared she walked around with a bleeper all the time.Inevitably to ensure the safety of his family  Mo was forced to move out.It makes the blood boil that Hope, a self-effacing, warm-hearted, generous man was treated so despicably. Britain was a different place 40-plus years ago.Whenever I wrote anything praising a black fighter the repulsive letters from National Front supporters addressed to me — anonymously of course — would descend.It is a fair bet that wherever Anthony Joshua is living today the local community has welcomed him with open arms.One story about Mo that isn’t in the book shows he could be a bit cheeky.At the Commonwealth Games in  1998 he was coaching the Antiguan boxing team.I hadn’t seen him for years so I got a message to him in the athletes’ village and invited him to lunch at my hotel.He turned up with the usual huge grin on his face with three ravenous members of his team who didn’t have to make weight. READ MORE SUN STORIESIt turned out to be a VERY expensive reunion and my sports editor was none too pleased when I presented him with the bill!Land of Hope and Glory by Maurice Hope with Ron Shillingford is published by Pitch Publishing and priced £25. More

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      Jude Bellingham first showed off footie skills as four year old at nursery

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      ENGLAND ace Jude Bellingham first showed off his footie skills as a four year old – at a nursery called Twinkle Toes.The future star raced around the playground booting a ball about already showing signs of his future star potential.Jude Bellingham first showed off his footie skills as a four year old – at a nursery called Twinkle ToesEngland ace Jude raced around the playground booting a ball about already showing signs of his future star potentialCredit: GettyLuisa Mead-Blandford said: ‘We are all so proud of him and everything he has achieved’Credit: Roland LeonJude was one of the first ever kids to join Twinkle Toes nursery in the town when Luisa started itCredit: Roland LeonProud nursery manager Luisa Mead-Blandford, 54, said: “He will have been one of the better ones but that’s no surprise because his dad was a really good footballer as well.“We are all so proud of him and everything he has achieved.”Bellingham, 20, has gone on to forge a reputation among Three Lions fans as a twinkle-toed midfielder who can dance his way past defenders.But it all started almost two decades ago in Stourbridge, West Midlands.Read More on SportHe was one of the first ever kids to join Twinkle Toes nursery in the town when Luisa started it.She said: “He was one of our very first customers when I opened the nursery and then his brother Jobe joined.“It’s wonderful to see how he has grown and developed.“But it doesn’t surprise us because he had that natural ability and he was brought up so well.Most read in Euro 2024“His family are lovely. I remember his mum and dad well, they were always very friendly when they dropped off Jude and his brother and picked them up.”Dad Mark, 48, was a prolific non-league striker, netting 700 goals by the time he was 40.Why we love Jude BellinghamHe played for 15 different clubs and once described himself as “not very good”.But it was watching his dad that inspired Jude’s passion for the game in the years after he showed his first natural ability as a four year old at nursery.The England midfielder said of his dad: “I used to watch him play all the time, it’s where I started to get that love for football.”As he grew up in Stourbridge Jude developed an outstanding sporting ability not just on the football pitch – he also could have been a star cricketer.Mark Baker, 71, chairman of Hagley Cricket Club, Worcs, said: “His dad brought him along and he had a couple of years playing in our youth sides.“You could tell he was a natural-born cricketer from a really early age.“He was a very good player – especially because he didn’t have a lot of time for cricket because of his football commitments.“I remember he took a fantastic catch in a youth game. Most people wouldn’t have been able to get near it – but he did.“He had incredible coordination, it was just raw natural ability.“If he had focused on cricket, he could have gone far in the game. He’s just a special sporting talent.”Former cop Mark acts as agent for Jude and his younger brother, Sunderland’s Jobe, 18.And their mum is equally supportive – she moved to Germany to live with Jude when he signed for Borussia Dortmund in 2020 for £25million making him the most expensive 17-year-old ever.Instant impactShe did the same when he moved to Real Madrid for £115million last summer.He made an instant impact in La Liga and in November broke a club record after scoring 14 goals in his first 15 games, one more than club legends Alfredo Di Stefano, who played in the Fifties and Sixties, and Cristiano Ronaldo.Luisa is delighted that one of her former charges at the £79-a-day nursery is now one of the most famous footballers on the planet.The nursery has posted a snap of him on their Facebook page holding one of the many awards he has won in recent years with the words: “The Nursery of Champions– We are so proud of you Jude Bellingham.”Luisa said: “I’m not a huge football fan but I do watch Jude play.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When someone you know is playing then you want to watch it and he is on the television a lot now of course.“It’s wonderful to see, he is a lovely young man and deserves all of his success – we love him.” More

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      Lauryn Goodman reveals ‘sad decision’ she made to protect Kyle Walker’s son Kairo after taking him to watch dad at Euros

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      LAURYN Goodman has revealed the “sad decision” she made to protect Kyle Walker’s son Kairo at the England match.The 33-year-old influencer and reality TV star took the four-year-old to Frankfurt to watch his vice-captain father play against Denmark on Thursday.Lauryn took son Kairo to watch his father play in FrankfurtCredit: SplashKyle visited Annie and his children with her following the match, which Lauryn wanted to avoidCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Denmark vs EnglandLauryn and Kai before the match had startedCredit: SplashWalker played in the one all draw after England put in a lacklustre performance against the DanesCredit: GettyKairo wore a Three Lions shirt with “Daddy” and the number two on the back as the boy waved an England flag as he cheered on the Three Lions.But Lauryn has now revealed to the Daily Mail that she and Kairo left the stadium five minutes before the end of the match to avoid an awkward situation.Lauryn said: “We left five minutes early to avoid Kairo being upset and confused that his daddy went over to his siblings but not him,” “It would have been so sad for him and I wasn’t going to risk that.”Read more on Euro 2024She said the experience had been the “best day ever” but there had been an undercurrent of sadness.Lauryn said: “It made me so emotional because it’s like Kairo doesn’t understand what his dad has done yet.”She claimed earlier this month that Kyle had offered her tickets to the matches, something his team have vehemently denied.Lauryn alleged that Kyle made the promise to Kairo because the youngster missed the 2022 World Cup.Most read in Euro 2024A spokeswoman for Kyle previously said: “Kyle categorically denies ever having invited Lauryn, or a member of her family, to the Euros.”But Lauryn said she was determined to take her children to Germany for the Euros so they could support their dad.Lauryn Goodman and Kyle Walker’s son KairoThe tot received lots of attention including a Danish fan who said hello as they walked to the stadium.Lauryn posted messages of support she received from supportive fans which praised her for being a good mother for the act.One read: “The fact you put yourself in that situation to give him that experience shows the mama you are!! Amazing.”Another person wrote: “Kairo should one million percent be at those games. Annie Kilner, who shares four children with the footballer, was also there to show her supportShe later posted messages of support that fans had sent herCredit: Instagram”I hope you know how amazing you are and proud you should be. Shame on the rest of the world for thinking differently.”While a third person said: “You are a wonderful role model to both your children and they know that now but they will truly understand and appreciate it as they get older.”The Three Lions drew one all with the Danes on Thursday after a lacklustre performance.Annie Kilner, Kyle’s wife and mum to four of his boys, sat with other wives and girlfriends while Lauryn sat in a different part of the stadium.One source close to Annie said Lauryn is seen as a bit of a trouble maker, chancer and blagger.The source close to Annie said: “Lauryn is seen as a bit of a troublemaker and Annie’s worst nightmare was running into her.”There was talk of Lauryn’s seats being less than 100 metres away. Annie wants absolutely nothing to do with her.”The security team were aware of Lauryn’s presence and were primed to make sure she couldn’t get anywhere near the Wags’ area.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Lauryn is a blagger and a chancer, and they were worried she might be able to talk her way in.”But given the sensitivities around it, she was kept well away.”‘It was a slow death’ says Kyle Walker as he relives devastated Annie finding out he’d had 2nd secret child with Lauryn
      In an exclusive tell-all interview with The Sun’s reporter Paul Sims, the England and Manchester City defender admitted he was ­selfish not to tell his pregnant wife about his second secret child — and says: “It was a slow death for me and for Annie.”
      Annie’s world imploded just after Christmas when she received a devastating Instagram message out of the blue from Lauryn Goodman, who told her that Kyle had fathered another child with her.
      Kyle publicly admitted: “I’m sorry that I have had a second child with Lauryn and hurt my best friend.
      “It’s horrible to say that out loud.
      “I’ve hurt someone I truly believe is my soulmate.
      “It’s tough to not have her.
      “She’s my right-hand man.
      “I think of her so highly that she probably won’t understand and I probably don’t really tell her.
      “This isn’t an interview for me to tell the world how much I care about her because that’s down to me and Annie and what we feel.
      “I’ve let Annie and my boys down, I’ve let my mum and dad down, my nan down.”

      Lauryn was spotted in the crowd during the matchCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Denmark vs EnglandLauryn claimed earlier this month that Kyle had offered her tickets to the matchesCredit: Splash More

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      Frustrated England stars including Kane and Bellingham consoled by Wags and family in stands after tame Denmark draw

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      ENGLAND stars went into the stands to see their Wags and family after the disappointing 1-1 draw with Denmark.The Three Lions put in an underwhelming performance in Frankfurt and now need to avoid defeat against Slovenia on Tuesday to book their place in the knockout rounds.Jude Bellingham hugged his mum Denise after the gameCredit: RexBellingham was also embraced by his dad Mark and brother JobeCredit: PAHarry Kane went up to see his wife KateCredit: PAKyle Walker saw his wife Annie and their kidsAaron Ramsdale was on daddy duty with his son RonnieCredit: PAAnd Declan Rice was delighted as he hugged his son JudeCredit: PAHarry Kane opened the scoring for England but was subbed off by Gareth Southgate with 69 minutes on the clock following a tough night up front.After the final whistle, he was pictured in the crowd being consoled by his wife Kate, who was wearing a Three Lions shirt with No9 on the back.Jude Bellingham was England’s goalscoring hero in the first game – but after a difficult evening, he was also spotted with his family in the stands.The midfielder looked frustrated as went to see his mum Denise, dad Mark and younger brother Jobe.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBellingham got a hug off his mum before another embrace from his father.Kyle Walker helped create Kane’s goal with a burst of pace down the right and went to see his kids in the stands later.His sons wore cute England shirts with dad and his No2 printed on the back as they cheered him on alongside their mum Annie.Arsenal duo Aaron Ramsdale and Declan Rice were on father duties as they went to see their Wags and kids.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe goalkeeper was handed his son Ronnie by wife Georgina and he fed his baby from a bottle.Meanwhile, Rice picked up his boy Jude as he sat with girlfriend Lauren Fryer.England player ratings following disappointing 1-1 draw with DenmarkOthers heading up to their loved-ones were Bukayo Saka, who relaxed with girlfriend Tolami Benson.And Jordan Pickford was pictured getting cosy with his missus Megan.It was another cameo appearance off the bench for Jarrod Bowen and he went up to see his family and partner Dani Dyer.Despite an underwhelming result, John Stones was all smiles as he posed for a photo with his kids.England are back in action on Tuesday against Slovenia and Gareth Southgate will be hoping Luke Shaw is back from injury after he was also spotted with his family post-match.Rice played another 90 minutes for EnglandCredit: PAHe was handed Jude by his girlfriend LaurenJarrod Bowen had a chat with his partner Dani DyerCredit: RexBukayo Saka put his feet up alongside girlfriend Tolami BensonCredit: ReutersJohn Stones posed for a snap with his familyAnd Jordan Pickford was seen with his wife MeganCredit: RexENGLAND vs DENMARK RATINGSENGLAND stumbled to a drab 1-1 draw with Denmark.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions team.
      Jordan Pickford: 6
      Looked a little jittery early doors, though there was nothing he could do about Morten Hjulmand’s corker and he made a decent parry after the break.
      Kyle Walker: 7 
      Made England’s opener by racing round a sleeping Victor Kristiansen – he’ll be having nightmares of that forevermore – and teeing up Kane via a deflected cross.
      John Stones: 6
      OK but you have got to wonder how fit he feels having barely played for Man City in the second half of the season, plus his injury and illness issues over the last month.
      Marc Guehi: 8 and my star man
      Really encouraging again from the Crystal Palace centre-back, looking sharp with his interceptions and assured in distribution.
      Kieran Trippier: 6
      Like Stones, he was fine, but England really need Luke Shaw back ASAP because having no natural left-footer at left-back is a problem.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
      This experiment of playing Trent in midfield is far from convincing, especially when his passing was off it like it was here, barring one good ball to Saka. Subbed on 54 minutes.
      Declan Rice: 5
      Had to cover so much ground as England dropped worryingly deep in the first half and also lost it a few times in front of his back four.
      Bukayo Saka: 7
      Not quite as electric as his first half against Serbia, but another solid showing from our right winger who has been our most consistent attacker across the two games.
      Jude Bellingham: 6
      Nowhere near the majestic display he put in against Serbia and one of many who looked tired.
      Phil Foden: 7
      Was far more involved than against Serbia – although that was not hard – and had a few dangerous efforts from range, including one that smacked the post after the break.
      Harry Kane: 6
      Netted his 64th goal for his country with an opener he could not really miss, but then gave the ball away from Denmark’s leveller. Surprisingly subbed.
      SUBS:
      Conor Gallagher (on for Trent, 54): 7
      Vital clearance on the stretch when Christian Eriksen was lurking and was not afraid to put his foot in.
      Ollie Watkins (on for Kane, 70): 6
      Played in by Bellingham’s lovely ball after coming on but could not finish from an acute angle.
      Jarrod Bowen (on for Foden, 69): 6
      Copped a nasty tackle which saw Joakim Maehle booked.
      Eberechi Eze (on for Saka, 69): 6
      On for his tournament bow though he was rarely involved. More

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      Lauryn Goodman spotted with son Kairo watching dad Kyle Walker play in Euros clash – as player’s wife Annie also seen

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      LAURYN Goodman has been spotted at the England versus Denmark clash tonight to watch her son’s father play.Goodman carried Kairo into the 58,000-seat Frankfurt Arena as Kyle Walker’s side took on the Danes.Lauryn Goodman took her son Kairo to watch Kyle Walker playCredit: SplashAnnie Kilner, who shares four children with the footballer, was also there to show her supportCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Denmark vs EnglandMeanwhile Walker’s wife Annie Kilner – who shares four children with the footballer – was also in the stadium.They settled in to watch the game as England’s captain Harry Kane scored his 64th goal for his country.But his opener in Frankfurt was cancelled out by a fine strike from Morten Hjulmand.Walker, who has been with his childhood sweetheart Annie for 15 years, fathered two love children with influencer Lauryn during their relationship.Annie, 32, met Kyle, 34, when she was 16 and he was 18 playing for his hometown club Sheffield United.The couple secretly wed in November 2021 – but their relationship came crashing down after it was revealed Kyle had fathered a second secret love child with Lauryn, 33.The love triangle started in 2019 and has seen the WAGs publicly clash in the press and on social media countless times.Despite the drama, Lauryn has been “determined” to get her two children pitch side at the 2024 Euros in Germany.Most read in FootballIt was exclusively revealed by The Sun in April that she told a pal: “I am determined my children will get to see their daddy playing for the Three Lions this summer.”Lauryn further alleged that Kyle made the promise to Kairo because the youngster didn’t go to the 2022 World Cup.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner has urged his ex-mistress to stay away from the Euros amid fears that her presence may damage England’s chances A source said: “During the World Cup Kyle would message Lauryn saying, ‘That win, that celebration . . . was for Kairo’.”He even brought Kairo a World Cup ball and a shirt back. Kyle apparently said he was sorry Kairo wasn’t there and wanted him at the Euros.”Annie has kept her silence but reportedly told a friend in private that Lauryn wants to go to “inevitably create a drama” that will “distract” the team.Kyle shares four sons – Roman, 11, Riaan, seven, Reign, five, and baby Rezon with Annie – and two with Lauryn – Kairo, four, and a daughter, 11-months.Lauryn and Walker sparked a secret relationship in the summer of 2019 after she left her then partner football agent Dane Rashford.She then announced she was expecting a baby with a Three Lions ace in the January. In March 2023, Lauryn revealed she was pregnant with her second child.Kyle fuelled rumours he was the father in September 2023 when he bought the influencer a £2.5 million home on the coast to raise her two children.Then, the day after Boxing Day, Annie received a ­message 2out of the blue” alleging that Kyle was the dad to Lauryn’s second child.Lauryn is understood to have bluntly written: “I don’t have two baby daddies — I have one.”She had also forwarded a photo of Kyle enjoying a play date with both their children in a park.Annie later threw the footballer out of their £2.4million family home.And, it was revealed shortly after that she was pregnant with their fourth child at the time.Annie gave birth to Rezon in April with Kyle at her side.READ MORE SUN STORIESA spokesman for Kyle said previously: “Kyle is laser-focused on the games ahead so as to give the team the best possible chance of bringing home the trophy for the millions of England fans watching, including his wife and their children.”He will not be distracted by any off-pitch activity. Kyle did not invite Lauryn to the Euros.”Annie was also in Germany for the Three Lions’ game against SerbiaCredit: euro 2024 news pool (ENP) – Serbia vs England More

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      Lauryn Goodman WILL take son Kairo to see dad Kyle Walker play at Euros with camera crew despite feud with wife Annie

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      KYLE Walker’s ex-girlfriend Lauryn Goodman has tickets and flights booked to Germany to take his son Kairo to England’s third Euros group game.But influencer influencer Lauryn, who shares Kairo, four, and a daughter, who is nearly one, with the married defender, has ditched plans to attend tonight’s game against Serbia.Lauryn Goodman has tickets and flights booked to Germany to take Kyle Walker’s son Kairo to England’s third group game in the EurosCredit: SplashLauryn is also mum to the Man City fullback’s daughterCredit: SplashShe changed her mind to avoid a backlash and will now fly out for the game against Slovenia, in Cologne, on June 25.Meanwhile, Kyle’s wife Annie Kilner, 31, is scheduled to depart on a £30,000 private jet this morning to attend tonight’s game.She is expected to travel with three of their four sons but not to stay for more than a day.When Lauryn, 33, arrives, Kairo will be wearing a ­football top at the Slovenia match with “Daddy and Kyle’s number 2 on the back.read more on Lauryn GoodmanA source said a camera crew could be there to capture her every move as Lauryn has signed up for a new docu-ality series lifting the lid on life as a Wag.The source told The Sun on Sunday: “Lauryn truly believes that Kyle will want his son there. “She has been given ­tickets and the flights have been sorted out for her to go. “Kyle and Lauryn aren’t speaking since Annie found out they have a daughter together too.Most read in Football“But when they were, during the World Cup, it was Kyle who ­actually asked for Kairo to be at the Euros.“Since that day, Kairo has been excited. What little lad wouldn’t be?Kyle Walker risks explosive showdown between wife Annie and Lauryn Goodman after ‘inviting’ ex and two kids to Euros”Kairo shouldn’t have to watch his daddy playing for his country from a TV set in England — he deserves to be there.“Kairo has been filling in a chart with football-shaped stickers. “It is in his bedroom and he fills it in every night.“Lauryn doesn’t encourage it — Kairo has been football mad since he was tiny. “He has football goal nets in the living room too. “He plays every morning before nursery and gets Lauryn to tackle him.”Lauryn had been due to fly out with her son and her grandfather today to England’s opening game.The source added: “She was offered tickets for the first match and was planning to go but turned them down at the last minute.“She knew the focus would turn to her and she would be blamed by fans if they didn’t win, or if Kyle played badly.“She doesn’t want that pressure on her or Kairo. “Going to ­Germany is not about some daft WAG war, it is about being a good parent.Kyle’s wife Annie Kilner is scheduled to depart on a £30,000 private jet this morning to attend today’s gameCredit: BackGridLauryn became pregnant while Kyle, 33, was on a break from Annie in 2019. Son Kairo was born the following year.Despite fathering a child with Lauryn, the Man City star and Annie rekindled their relationship and got married in 2021.But Kyle stayed in touch with the influencer and they started to have time together including days out with Kairo and then rekindled their relationship, too.Their daughter was conceived in October 2022 while he was in London for treatment for a groin injury.In December, Lauryn broke the news about her baby girl to Annie, who was herself pregnant with her fourth child.Annie announced she was separating from the £160,000-a-week footballer.He moved out of the home they shared with sons Roman, 11, Riaan, seven, and Reign, five, in Prestbury, Cheshire, to a rented property nearby.Annie gave birth to Rezon in April with Kyle at her side. The boy’s arrival was announced the day before Kairo’s fourth birthday.Last night, a spokesman for Kyle said: “Kyle is laser-focused on the games ahead so as to give the team the best possible chance of bringing home the trophy for the millions of England fans watching, including his wife and their children.“He will not be distracted by any off-pitch activity.”Kyle did not invite Lauryn to the Euros.”Two other Wags arrived at Manchester Airport last night to jet off to Germany.READ MORE SUN STORIESLuke Shaw’s long-term partner, Anouska Santos, 34, was set for a flight to Dusseldorf, and said: “I’m really excited to be going.”She was joined by Megan Davison, 28, wife of goalie Jordan Pickford, 30,, who was wearing a necklace adorned with her husband’s name.Lauryn fell pregnant with Kairo while Kyle was on a marriage break from Annie in 2019Credit: GettyLuke Shaw’s partner Anouska Santos and Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan leave for GermanyCredit: Zenpix More

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      Heartbreaking story of boxer who’d get beaten up in ring to numb pain of baby son’s fight for his life

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      MACAULAY MCGOWAN was supposed to stop accepting dangerous fights after his baby boy won the toughest one of all.In December 2019 the Manchester super-welter was supposed to welcome his little boy smoothly into the world. Macaulay McGowan is a proud fighter and an even prouder dadCredit: Macaulay McGowanMcGowan lost three dangerous fights in a row after a bright undefeated startCredit: GettyBut brave missus Francesca suffered a placental abruption and internal haemorrhage, robbing little Albie of his oxygen supply.The fearless light-flyweight suffered Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy – or birth asphyxia – and the biggest concern was whether or not he would survive – not even how much brain damage he would suffer.The undefeated new father was almost destroyed and – faced with the added financial and psychological punishment of the Covid lockdown – he took three rushed fights as the rank underdog and lost them all.Incredibly Albie has since beaten odds that daddy could have only dream of and is now walking and talking and attending nursery and dad has rebuilt with six wins, a harsh draw and an even harsher points defeat.Read more boxingBut he’s back in the deep end on Friday on Channel 5, against celebrated German amateur Abass Baraou for the European title, but tooled with a far brighter outlook and side hustle.“They were dark days,” McGowan told SunSport with the sounds of jet engines rattling down the phone.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“I lost three fights on the spin, 30 long rounds, and never felt a thing.”I was using boxing as a distraction from what my son and missus were going through.Anthony Joshua shows the training never stops as boxer does 30 press-ups on PRIVATE JET as all-Brit clash edges closer“Being punched in the face for half an hour by an amateur star or a former world champion was better than facing up to what my lad was going through.“We had no idea how good or bad things would be, we just had to sit and watch and wait and hope and then slowly he got up and started walking and then talking and, although we have to keep an eye on a few things and he’s a bit behind his class with his speech, he has come on so much and has now started at nursery.“Now I am boxing because I love it again and I think I can surprise a few people and upset a few opponents.“I never wanted easy fights and I still don’t. But now I am not just getting beaten up to help numb me to stuff outside the ring.”Macaulay McGowan’s son Albie is even tougher than his dadCredit: Macaulay McGowanMcGowan with heroic wife FrancescaMost read in BoxingIt would be a very emotional phone call if it wasn’t for the constant roar of aeroplanes drowning out some of McGowan’s poignant words.“I’m up a scaffold near the airport,” he says very casually.“When I am not on the school run or training I come and labour for my mate’s construction firm, Broadbent Developments.“I do it right up to a week or two before the fight, they offer to teach me the trades and get me trained up.”But I’m already OCD about boxing and everything else in my life, so I come on site to have a laugh, keep me busy and entertain the lads.”McGowan is as as handy on site as he is in the ringCredit: Macaulay McGowanDespite having so much on his plate, the working-class hero refuses to boast about his ability or chances of beating Baraou. The same cannot be said of seven-year-old daughter and No1 fan Francesca.McGowan explained: “She ran out of a playground recently crying and saying some bigger boys were being mean to her.“I went in to calm everything down and make sure everyone was being kind to each other.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And the lads in there said she had been telling everyone that her dad is a professional boxer who can beat everyone up.“So I will be hiding the belt from her if I get it home, I can’t have her talking me into fights, she’ll be offering me out to everyone and I’ve got to get back on the tools with the lads next week.” More

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      We had 5 hours of hell as Siena had life-saving op…but she’s fixed now. She’s our heart warrior, says Jack Wilshere

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      FORMER Arsenal and England star Jack Wilshere suffered “five hours of hell” as his five-year-old daughter Siena had life-saving cardiac surgery.And he said he had been “100 per cent” sure she would die during the operation to fix a hole in her heart in February.Retired football star Jack Wilshere suffered ‘five hours of hell’ as his five-year-old daughter Siena had life-saving cardiac surgery, pictured with wife Andriani, leftCredit: Eleven Miles.Siena had a rare kind of heart issue which required swift actionCredit: Eleven Miles.Jack, 32, also recalled how he and his wife Andriani spent 45 minutes crying as they were gripped by the fear of losing her.Only a month earlier, doctors had told the father-of-four that Siena — his second-youngest child — had the heart condition.While it can be fatal, it often does not need surgery — but Siena had a rare kind which required swift action.Arsenal ace Jack, who played 34 times for his country, told The Sun how he lost almost a stone due to stress during the month between her diagnosis and the surgery.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEven worse was the moment when Siena, now six, was given an anaesthetic just before the op began.He said: “When I took Siena down to the surgery I had to drag my wife out of the anaesthetic room and we went to a room upstairs and we were just crying, both of us, for about 45 minutes.Heart murmur“It was five hours from hell, waiting for the phone to ring. It was a blur.”Jack and Andriani have now become ambassadors for the British Heart ­Foundation, and he praises the charity’s work in helping to keep poorly children like their daughter alive.Most read in FootballHe also hopes to alert other parents to the signs of heart problems.In Siena’s case the early symptoms for a congenital heart defect, which means it was present from birth, were not ­obvious.Four Arsenal stars confronted Arsene Wenger after huge stars sold to bitter rivals, reveals Jack Wilshere Jack said: “She was probably a bit more out of breath than her friends when she was on a trampoline, and chest infections hung around for longer.”Medics thought it may be due to asthma, because Andriani had ­it as a child.But it took two years for the real cause to be discovered, during a family holiday in Cyprus, where many of Andriani’s relatives live.Jack said: “My kids got ill — nothing serious — ear infections. The doctor listened to her heart and said, ‘I don’t want to worry you, but I can hear a bit of a murmur in her heart’, and said, ‘You should get it checked when you get back to the UK’.“That doctor saved my daughter’s life.”A cardiologist carried out a series of tests on Siena, and days later, rang Jack, who coaches Arsenal’s under-18s, just as he was about to go away with his squad.He recalled: “At the time I found out I was with my assistant.“I was at the training ground and I virtually broke down in his arms when I told him. All my staff were brilliant.”The hole in Siena’s heart was so serious that surgery was arranged for just a month later.Tests had revealed the gap in the muscle wall between the lower ­chambers of her heart meant it had to work much harder, which is why she was so out of breath.A tearful Andriani, 33, said: “I remember just falling to the floor and crying, I just couldn’t believe the news. It was shocking.”Siena after the life-saving February operationCredit: BBC SportOnly 40 per cent of people born with a heart defect need heart surgery.Often the issues are spotted while the child is in the womb.But the worst cases carry the chance of sudden death, and it is necessary to carry out the operations while patients are still young.Siena had a rare condition in which, Jack said, her veins had rerouted because they were leaking into her lungs.The wait for the day when she would be “fixed” was almost impossible for the doting dad to bear.And there was also the fear of his daughter undergoing a precarious operation.He said: “I remember the date she got diagnosed — the 27th of January — and she eventually had the surgery on the 27th of February, and that whole month I lost six kilos.Bag of nerves“I can’t even remember it, it was so stressful, because obviously there were risks involved in the surgery.”There was a one per cent chance she wouldn’t wake up.”His wife was equally anxious.Andriani said: “The night before, we were a bag of nerves. I remember having this feeling in the pit of my stomach.”A team of medics had to close the defect in Siena’s heart, which could have caused sudden death.She had surgery on Monday and we were back home on Friday. She was laughing, she’s really bubbly, she loves lifeJack WilshireAfter crying with his wife, Jack went for a coffee with his parents and took a walk around the block.Thankfully, they got the message that Siena had pulled through.Andriani recalled: “When we went down to the intensive care unit, it was all such a blur.“I heard Siena cry and it was then that I knew she was going to be OK.”Jack is in awe of the way his brave daughter had dealt with the terrible ordeal.He said: “I have been through surgery. I had a lot of injuries as a player, and it took me ages to recover.“She had the surgery on the Monday and we were back at home on the Friday and she was laughing.“She’s really bubbly, she loves life. It’s great to have her fixed.”And he added: “We call her our heart warrior. The bravery and strength she’s shown has been incredible.”Three months on, it seems that Siena is making a good recovery.Jack said: “The surgery has made all the difference and she has so much energy now.”Up against itThe breathlessness and coughing fits have relented.The couple are far from alone, because every day 13 babies in Britain are diagnosed with congenital heart disease.It was the British Heart Foundation which helped Jack and Andriani to understand what they were up against.Andriani said: “We didn’t know anything about congenital heart conditions and never thought our daughter would ever require open- heart surgery.“Turning to the BHF made us feel less alone and gave us the answers and support we needed.”The charity has been funding research into heart conditions for more than 60 years and put £99million into the field during 2022-2023.Wilshere and partner Andriani have become ambassadors for the British Heart FoundationCredit: BBC SportProud dad Jack says: ‘We call her our heart warrior’Credit: Eleven Miles.Jack said: “We’re supporting the British Heart Foundation because without life-saving research keeping children’s hearts beating, we might not have Siena here with us today.”It is not the first time the star has faced a health crisis with one of his children.His eldest son, Archie, 12, from his relationship with Lauren Neal, often had to be rushed to hospital in the middle of the night, suffering from seizures.Under controlJack, who also has daughter ­Delilah, ten, with Lauren and a four-year-old son, Jack Junior with Andriani, said in 2019: “My wife and I would sit up most nights because most of the seizures were happening at night.”Fortunately, doctors got the ­condition under control.Now Jack’s aim as a British Heart Foundation ambassador is to raise awareness of the charity’s important work and to encourage people to have any problems or concerns properly assessed.Many adults don’t even know they have a hole in the heart.Jack said: “There are people ­suffering cardiac arrests who have gone undiagnosed.”And he added: “You know your child better than anyone. If you think something isn’t quite right, don’t take no for an answer.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It is the most common defect you can be born with.”
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      Jack played 34 times for EnglandCredit: Getty More