Fundraising
Projections of young England fans who died suddenly seen across Berlin ahead of Euros Final
Powerful murals of young English football fans who died from sudden cardiac death have been projected in Berlin just in time for the UEFA European Championship Final.
Last month, 12 emotive murals were unveiled across the country to highlight the tragic reality that 12 young people under the age of 35 are lost every week to sudden cardiac death in the UK. The high-profile launch was timed with the UEFA Euro 2024 kick-off, as each painting commemorates a talented young footballer or fan whose life was cut short.
Now as England prepare to play Spain in the final on Sunday night, we are taking the murals of the fans, who should have been cheering on their national team this weekend, to Berlin.
In a gesture to celebrate their lives and support for the England team, we are projecting the murals of the young fans in key locations across the capital as thousands of fans descend on Berlin to watch the Three Lions potentially make history on Sunday night.
One of the murals, which is located in Digbeth, Birmingham, and will now be on display in Berlin is remembering 15-year-old Myles Christie, who played football from age seven. Myles suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in 2023 - exactly eight years to the day after the death of his father, Alden, also after a sudden cardiac arrest.
Poignant moment
Myles’ mum Hayley said: "I think the idea of taking Myles and the other young people at the centre of the campaign to Berlin is incredible. When we were watching the semi-final at home - myself, my fiancé Nathan and Myles’ brother Carter just in our lounge - it felt like Myles was there watching with us. Myles was such a spiritual boy and it was so uncanny, he was there all around us.
"I think Myles would be so proud to be in Berlin. It's such a poignant moment. He was such a massive England fan and I remember what his reaction was in the last Euros when we lost on penalties in the final to Italy. He and Carter were both in tears. Seeing England in this final would have meant everything to Myles."
Danny Singh – Rathor from Southampton passed away from a cardiac arrest whilst on his way back from playing his beloved football in March 2009, aged 27. The father of one’s mural is on display opposite Southampton FC’s St Mary’s Stadium and will now go to Berlin.
His brother Bhadur said: “I’m very happy that Danny’s mural will be projected near the stadium. Hopefully Danny will pull some strings with the big guy and help England with the win. Win or lose Danny is part of history so absolutely buzzing.”
There in spirit
Libbey Peverall, from West Drayton collapsed at home and died in her dad’s arms on 21st February 2023, aged 20. Her mural in Hammersmith, London, will now be on display in Berlin.
Libbey’s brother Charlie said: “When I first saw Libbey’s mural looking down at me it was so emotional, and it just felt that this was an omen, and that England would do well. To have Libbey's mural in Berlin for the final is like having her there in spirit. It’s such a beautiful thing for us. Libbey would be beyond proud. Watching the game as a family on Sunday will be extra special for us now.”
Claire Reed, from Southampton passed away suddenly from a cardiac arrest at 22 while away with friends for the weekend. Her mural, also on display opposite Southampton FC’s St Mary’s Stadium, will be on display in Berlin.
Claire’s dad Graham Hunter said: "If Claire was here she'd say 'win, England, win! I just can't be there with you’. She was a massive fan and would have been right behind the team. We'd all have been watching the game on TV, willing them on."
Jenny Kerwood (22), from Essex was at a training session with her local team Hutton Ladies FC when she suffered a cardiac arrest in front of shocked teammates. Her mural, which was in Tottenham, London, will now be on display in Berlin.
Jenny’s brother Ross said: “It's a really special and surreal moment to see my sister remembered in such a significant way. She would have been reluctant of the spotlight of this, she was always very shy and reserved, but she would have been ecstatic and proud about England's progress in the tournament. I'll be thinking about her throughout Sunday's game.”
"He'd be so elated."
Tom Henson, from Chesterfield was just 23 years old when he died after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest whilst playing football with a group of friends in Derbyshire in July 2018. His original mural is in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Tom’s step-dad Shaun O'Halloran said: "Tom was a massive England supporter. He'd be so elated they're in the final. He loved analysing every moment of every game and would have been watching with all his friends. He'd be jumping for joy.
"It's amazing, more than we could have ever hoped for that Tom will now be out in Berlin. It's a warm feeling knowing he will be there in a sense. I know how crazy he used to go when England played. The fact he'll be there for the final in spirit is both surreal and just fantastic."
Taylor Atherton, from Newcastle was a promising footballer who dreamed of playing the game professionally. He tragically died following a sudden cardiac arrest overnight at home in his bedroom in February 2016.
Taylor’s dad Lee said: “Obviously Taylor would have been a bit shocked but very happy to be there in Berlin. If he was still with us, he'd be watching with his friends. Lots of them have gone to Europe to watch some of the games, and he would have been with them - if he wasn't playing for England!
"It's a bit overwhelming and massively meaningful to think Taylor will be there in a sense now for the final. When Taylor was taken from us it was all the unknowns that have been so hard to deal with, but hopefully his story can help other people. Taylor was always one to help others when he could."
Emotive campaign
Claire Sadler, our Chief Marketing and Fundraising Officer, said: “We launched this emotive campaign as the Euros tournament kicked off as a powerful reminder of the young fans who tragically aren’t here to cheer on the team they loved. It is incredibly poignant that England have made the final of the competition and we can’t think of a better tribute to the young England fans than to take them to Berlin.
“These wonderful families have so bravely shared their stories because they don’t want any other family to suffer like they have. It is thanks to them that this campaign has shone a spotlight on sudden cardiac death and the need for the BHF to fund research to keep more families together at these special moments.
“The BHF is already carrying out groundbreaking research to treat and prevent the causes of sudden cardiac death, but there is still more to do. We urgently need donations to help us fund more lifesaving research to prevent other families going through this heartbreak.”