Children to cheer on Hampton from hospital beds

Hannah Hampton has been an ambassador for Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity since 2022

Patients at the children's hospital where Hannah Hampton was treated for an eye condition will be cheering her on as England face Italy in the Euro 2025 semi-finals on Tuesday.

The Lionesses goalkeeper became an ambassador for Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity three years ago after having multiple operations there as a youngster.

She was born with a squint, which left her severely cross-eyed before treatment.

Consultant ophthalmologist Manoj Parulekar said the condition could impact depth and distance perception: "She's clearly using her brain's cues to compensate for that, and doing an incredible job at it."

Hampton, 24, was brought up in Studley, Warwickshire, and went to Erasmus Darwin Academy in Burntwood, Staffordshire.

She approached the Birmingham charity to offer her support in 2022, when she was playing for Aston Villa.

"Her aim was to really help inspire some of the patients," said fundraising manager Sheba Ali.

"To give them a role model that shows, despite your condition or your illness, you can go on to achieve your dream.

"I know lots of the kids will be watching on their tablets [on Tuesday] and really cheering her on."

Hampton wants to inspire child patients in Birmingham

Mr Parulekar said the hospital wanted to congratulate Hampton on her "incredible achievements" and looked forward to following her success.

Ms Ali added: "We're so pleased to have her as an ambassador. To see her star rise and her become England's number one goalie is amazing."