Thirteen-year-old Elijah Tibbits has always been a keen footballer and this year decided to support St Luke’s through his football club – Sheffield City U13s (Blacks) to give back for the care his mum, Jodie, received at the end of her life.

Having scored 36 goals for his team across the 2024-25 season, Elijah decided that he would like to donate £5 to St Luke’s for every goal he scored in 2025-26, to help support other families across Sheffield.

The fundraiser, which raised £639, was all in loving memory of mum Jodie, who died in September 2021 following a two-year illness with terminal bowel cancer.

Many of the other families associated with club also committed to donating various amounts per goal that Elijah scored, and some of his teammates even joined in and contributed for their goals scored too.

“Anyone who knew Jodie will know just how much cheering our boys on in their sporting pursuits meant to her,” said Elijah’s dad, Luke.

“St Luke’s cared for Jodie in the final weeks of her life. They ensured that her final days were pain free and comfortable, and also offered a huge amount of support and comfort to myself, our boys Harry and Elijah, as well as Jodie’s mum, dad, brothers and wider family.”

“As a family, we know how important fundraising is to enable St Luke’s can offer care to other local families in need. I am incredibly proud of Elijah and I know his mum would be too.”

Reflecting on the amazing total raised by the end of the season, Elijah said: “I feel proud and really grateful to everyone who sponsored me that I was able to raise this money in memory of my mum doing something that I enjoy and that she enjoyed watching me do.

“St Luke’s played such an important part in caring for my mum, and it feels really good to be able to give back and help the charity in this way.”

A young Elijah with mum, Jody, and Elijah celebrates his fundraising efforts with St Luke's Community Fundraiser, Olivia Yates.