Premier League star Tosin Adarabioyo supports charity for critically ill kids

Premier League ace Tosin Adarabioyo is a star off the pitch too – by supporting a charity for poorly kids.

The Chelsea defender, 28, has become an ambassador for Lia’s Wings, which saves lives by jetting critically ill youngsters to hospital. It was was founded by Patrick and Melissa Schoennagel, who lost their precious girl Lia aged just five in 2022.

Days after Lia passed, the couple bumped into Tosin after a football match – and he’s been a keen supporter and friend ever since. Tosin, who has also made generous cash donations to the charity, said: “To be able to raise awareness is amazing. Lia’s Wings is a wonderful charity, providing a service which many people won’t know exists, but is vital for those times it is needed.”

• Rory McIlory called out for explosive Ryder Cup outbursts – 'You can't do both'
• Liverpool face new Marc Guehi transfer competition as Real Madrid and Barcelona eye deal

Former Fulham star Tosin was waiting for a cab after a game when Patrick, Melissa and Lia’s big brother John asked for a picture. A week later, he arranged for John to be a Fulham mascot. It was the start of a very special bond, with Tosin now regularly popping over to the family’s home for dinner and a game of Fifa.

Tosin took a particular interest in Lia’s story after learning she died on his birthday - September 24. He added: “To find out she passed away on my birthday touched me and from there I’ve always tried to be there. I feel privileged to be able to spend time with Patrick and his family.

"When I met them [Lia’s family] I had no idea they had recently lost their daughter, and sister – they were still full of amazing energy and very happy and cheery people.”

Patrick said: “Both Tosin and I are convinced that our paths in life crossed for a reason. It’s been a positive evolution of something that occurred when there was nothing else positive in my life. I think he [Tosin] is the only friend who became a friend after my tragedy, and to me that’s very special.”

Amelia, known as Lia, died days after suffering a cardiac arrest aged just five-years-old. Patrick and Melissa founded Lia’s Wings determined to turn their agony into a force for positive change. “What we aim to do is be there for the families when they find themselves in a medical emergency, and Tosin has done a lot of things to help,” Patrick said.

“It’s a relatively small charity, [but] last year we helped over 50 different families and their children in need. You may think 50 is not much, but how we help them is super high impact and super important.”

Lia’s Wings is the only charity in the UK that uses fixed-wing aircraft to transfer babies and children who need to get somewhere else for urgent medical care. They also provide tailored support for their families. Last week, Patrick and a team of keen cyclists headed to Portugal to take part in the annual 'Ride for Lia' cycle challenge. Find out more by visiting https://www.lias-wings.org.uk/