Ex-Norwich star James Maddison’s golf day raises thousands

The England midfielder held the Maddison Invitational golf tournament in London on Saturday (October 7) and has already raised at least £32,000 for Sophie’s Sparkle Fund, which honours Sprowston youngster Sophie Taylor.

Maddison, who currently plays for Tottenham Hotspur, befriended Sophie while playing for City during her battle with cancer and has remained close to her family ever since her death in January 2019, supporting fundraising efforts and raising awareness of her charity.

Michael McIntyre tees off at the Maddison Invitational (Image: Maddison Invitational)

The event, held at the Shire Golf Club in Barnet, saw stars from football and further afield take part including Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Scott McTominay of Manchester United and comedian Michael McIntyre.

Sophie’s dad, Alex Taylor, said everyone enjoyed the day and added that it went exactly as she would have wanted.

James Maddison with Sophie Taylor during his Norwich days (Image: Newsquest)

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He said: “It’s absolutely amazing, we’ve had outstanding support, we couldn’t have asked for better.

“I saw James on the night and he was really pleased, it was a lovely atmosphere, everyone really enjoyed themselves.

Michael McIntyre tees off at the Maddison Invitational (Image: Maddison Invitational)

“We’re not too sure what the final amount is we have to collect everything up and then I’ll catch up with him and see how we’ve got on.

Mason Mount on the course at the Maddison Invitational (Image: Maddison Invitational)

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“It was a real boost to everyone and now as a result we’re going to do some things to make our charity more accessible to those who need help.

“It’s what Sophie would’ve wanted and we can’t ask for better.”

The Maddison Invitational at the Shire Golf Club in Barnet (Image: Maddison Invitational)

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Sophie’s Sparkle Fund raises cash to support Norfolk families with youngsters who have been diagnosed with cancer and fund research into bone cancer.

During their time together, Maddison brought Sophie on to the Carrow Road pitch as a mascot, played football with her and even wore boots with her picture on them.

Other famous faces to take part included actor Stephen Graham and former footballers Peter Crouch, John Terry, Jack Wilshire, Jamie Redknapp, Jimmy Bullard and Jermaine Jenas.