When Pompey walk out to face Arsenal, one very special young fan will be living out a dream. Five-year-old Noah will take his place as a matchday mascot, experiencing what he proudly calls being “a footballer for the day”.
Noah is described by his family as a little boy with “an imagination beyond any and a heart of pure gold”. Funny, cheeky and endlessly kind, he has a way of leaving a lasting impression on everyone he meets. He loves being silly, making others laugh and laughing hardest at his own jokes.
Weekends for Noah are all about family. Whether it’s soft play, the park, walking along or simply settling down at home for a movie, his favourite place is with his mum, dad and younger sister Delilah.
Football has always been a huge part of Noah’s life. He plays for a local football team, which his dad runs, making football something they share together.
Noah was born with two thumbs on one hand, a small punctum on his chest, severe eyesight problems and respiratory issues. After years of hospital appointments, tests and persistent advocacy from his parents, genetic testing finally provided answers.
Noah was diagnosed with POLR3B leukodystrophy, an extremely rare genetic disorder that causes the white matter in the brain to deteriorate. An MRI confirmed that this deterioration has already begun. On the same day, the family received further heartbreaking news, Noah’s two-year-old sister Delilah was also diagnosed with the same condition.
In an instant, their world changed.
“It feels like you’re mourning children you haven’t lost,” Noah’s mum explained. “You grieve the life you imagined for them, knowing it won’t ever be that way.”
That’s why moments like this mascot experience matter so deeply.
When Noah was told he would be a footballer for the day, the reaction was unforgettable. His mum describes a glimmer in his eye like “waking up on Christmas morning when you’re little”.
For his parents, creating these experiences is about ensuring Noah does not miss out on the magic, joy and dreams every child deserves.
Despite everything, Noah’s outlook on life is remarkable. When asked what he would tell the world, his first answer was “farts”! Before giving it more thought and saying:
“Be kind and respectful.”
It’s a message that perfectly sums him up.
The family hopes that people reading Noah’s story will remember to never let anything dull their sparkle, to always try to find light among the darkness, and to be kind, because you never know what someone else is going through. They also hope to raise awareness of this rare condition and the vital work of The Alex TLC Charity, which has provided incredible support.
Noah, you’re inspirational. Enjoy your special day!
