GOOD NEWS: Myles Lewis‑Skelly Announces Cancer Fund for Women in Need After Sharing His Journey of Hiding His Mother’s Illness So He Could Play Peacefully – trann
In an emotionally charged television interview that left viewers across the nation in tears, Arsenal’s rising star Myles Lewis‑Skelly has announced the launch of a $7 million Cancer Fund dedicated to supporting low-income women in need of treatment. The announcement came as Lewis‑Skelly, barely holding back his emotions, publicly revealed for the first time the hidden battle his mother, Marià Lewis, fought against terminal cancer — a battle she kept secret from him so he could focus on his football career without distraction.
The revelation, raw and personal, has not only humanized the 18-year-old prodigy but has also ignited a wave of admiration for his commitment to turning his family’s private pain into a mission of public good.
A Mother’s Silent Sacrifice
Sitting in a dimly lit studio for an exclusive interview with BBC’s Inside Sport, Lewis‑Skelly recounted how his mother had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of ovarian cancer nearly a year ago. Despite the devastating news, Marià made a decision that would define the emotional core of her relationship with her son — she chose not to tell him.
“She just wanted me to play in peace,” Myles said, his voice trembling. “She told my uncle and my sister, but not me. She said, ‘Myles has a dream, and cancer doesn’t get to take that away from him.’ And so for months, while I was out there training, signing contracts, living my dream, she was silently fighting for her life. Alone.”
The young midfielder described how, even during his first-team debut with Arsenal, his mother was in and out of chemotherapy sessions, enduring the brutal side effects without a single complaint.
“I would come home, and she would still have a smile, cooking my favorite meal, asking about training. And I never knew. I never knew she was hurting so badly. She protected me from that,” Lewis‑Skelly shared.
Turning Pain into Purpose
Now, with his mother’s condition stabilized but still critical, Myles has decided to transform his family’s story into a beacon of hope for others. The “Marià Lewis Cancer Fund” — named in honor of his mother — will aim to provide financial assistance for women from underprivileged backgrounds who are battling cancer and cannot afford proper medical care.
“I realized that my mum was able to get good treatment because of the position we were in,” Myles said. “But what about the women who are not so lucky? The ones who have to choose between rent and chemotherapy? This fund is for them. No one should have to fight this fight alone — especially not because of money.”
The initial $7 million pledge is personally funded by Lewis‑Skelly, who disclosed that it represents a significant portion of his current football earnings and endorsements. He emphasized that this is not a charity stunt but a lifelong commitment. “This isn’t about PR. This is about legacy. My mum’s legacy,” he said.
A Moment That Silenced the Room
Perhaps the most striking part of the interview came when Myles reflected on how fans, media, and even teammates often failed to see the battles players carry off the pitch.
“Every time I step onto that field, I carry my mum’s fight with me,” he said. “But no one sees it. No one wants to listen. People just see the player, not the person. That’s why I’m speaking now.”
The studio was left in a stunned silence, and social media quickly erupted with an outpouring of support. #MylesAndMarià trended worldwide within minutes, with fans praising the young star’s bravery, not just on the pitch but in life.
Arsenal and Football Community Rally Behind
Arsenal Football Club has since announced that they will match Myles’s $7 million donation through their Arsenal Foundation, doubling the fund’s initial capacity. Fellow teammates and legends of the game, including Bukayo Saka, Ian Wright, and Thierry Henry, have publicly offered their support, with many pledging contributions and appearances in upcoming fundraising events.
“This is bigger than football,” said Ian Wright. “Myles is showing the heart of a champion, and we all stand with him.”
A Legacy Beyond Football
While the future of Myles Lewis‑Skelly’s football career looks immensely bright, it’s clear that his vision for his legacy goes far beyond trophies and accolades.
“I want my mum’s courage to live on in every woman we’re able to help,” Myles said. “Every goal I score, every match I play — it’s not just for Arsenal. It’s for her. It’s for them.”
In an era often criticized for shallow celebrity activism, Myles Lewis‑Skelly’s heartfelt initiative stands out as a powerful reminder that true greatness lies in using one’s platform for the voiceless.