Tottenham post a heartfelt, poignant and beautifully done video of Xavi Simons sharing impact of grandma’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
The 22 year old midfielder opened up about her Alzheimer’s diagnosis and its emotional impact it has had, describing her as a “second mum” who has supported him his whole life.
He spoke of how the disease came unexpectedly and has caused her to lose some memories, but highlights the importance of cherishing small moments together for peace and joy.
Simons can be seen in the video giving her a tour of Spurs’ training ground and joined a community dementia session run by the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and Alzheimer’s Society (combining Active Memories exercises and Singing for the Brain).
Xavi Simons, his wonderful Grandma and her journey with Alzheimer’s.
Raising awareness and support for @alzheimerssoc and @SpursFoundation 🤍 pic.twitter.com/KI34QnTkm6
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 23, 2026
Xavi said: “Alzheimer’s disease can come suddenly in a way we don’t expect. My grandma has lost a little bit of information. That’s hard because I know the woman she was and still is.
“She was always supporting me and my older brother, everything we did – she was my second mum. It’s really special to be at the point I am right now and to be able to bring her some joy.
“We try to enjoy the little moments we have together. We’re so busy with what we’re doing on a daily basis that maybe we forget how precious life is and how important the little things are.
“The illness is sad, but from a negative situation I try to see the positive way, so enjoying the little moments with her like playing games or going for a walk; that makes me be at peace.”
Xavi went to a special activity session at Southgate Methodist Church in Enfield this month, incorporating elements of our Foundation’s Active Memories programme and Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain initiative.
He said: “It’s a really positive thing to see the community and the good vibes here. It’s beautiful to help them. Being there and able to give them a little smile, I was happy to do it.”
The Foundation’s Active Memories programme, supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Fund, as well as the People’s Postcode Lottery, involves seated exercise and opportunities for participants to recall memories.
On top of this provision, the Foundation facilitates a weekly Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain session at our stadium, in partnership with Haringey Council’s Haynes Dementia Hub.
Simon Wears, Foundation health and wellbeing manager, said: “Xavi’s openness and compassion shine a powerful light on the realities of living with dementia.
“Through programmes like Active Memories and our partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, we aim to create safe, supportive spaces where people living with dementia and their carers can stay active, connected and valued.
“Seeing the joy these sessions bring – and the impact players like Xavi can have on our community – shows just how meaningful this work is.”
Tiziana Groom, Alzheimer’s Society local services manager in North London, said: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, and there are currently around one million people in the UK with the condition. It’s an issue that touches the lives of so many in different ways, as Xavi knows himself. It will take a society to beat dementia and we’re so grateful Xavi has shared his experience to show that dementia can affect anyone.
“Services like Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain and Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s Active Memories are a brilliant way to bring people affected by dementia together to support their wellbeing and create meaningful connections through music, exercise and community. We’d encourage anyone affected by dementia to reach out for support via our website or helpline (0333 150 3456). If you’re based near the sessions in Enfield or Tottenham, come along to give it a try!”
Singing for the Brain at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium takes place every Tuesday from 10.30am-12.30pm. Anyone interested in joining should email simon.wears@tottenhamhotspur.com.
Twitter users gave their reaction after Tottenham post a heartfelt video of Xavi Simons sharing the impact of his grandma’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis…
@GaryRWard: Lost my nan to alzheimer recently, it truly is a devastating illness that I wish no family has to go through.
@sufferingspurs: The few media bits we’ve seen from Xavi so far show that he’s really a good guy, a proper character and an amazing representative of the club
@Spurs_fan73: It’s very hard to see a relative slowly fade away when they have dementia. Currently going through it with my mum. I’m glad the club are supporting such great charities
@AdamPaine8: I hope this bloke becomes a spurs fav like some others down the years. Seems a genuine down to earth lad
@markbenstead: 👏🏻 football clubs/players making nice content and more importantly doing good things.
@winkleini: From what I’ve seen/heard from him off the pitch he seems like a really decent fella, hope things work out for him at Spurs & he can use Tuesday’s performance as a springboard for the rest of his time in N17 🤞
@bal1878: What a lovely fella and god bless his Grandma 🙏💙
@Gem_x7: What an amazing human. There is more to life than football 🤍
@SaintCharl1792: Wonderful video raising awareness. Xavi comes across as a brilliant young man
@dank615: Love this. Amazing job, and huge respect to Simons, his grandmother and his family for putting this out. Well done @SpursOfficial
@davecash75: As a @SpursOfficial season ticket holder and someone who has benefitted from generous support from @alzheimerssoc this hits me in two ways. Than you Xavi for help to raise awareness and support about how to improve the lives of those living with this disease
@hlouiseg: My Dad had dementia, it was heartbreaking. I always feel a bit of warmth when I see people raising awareness and showing the love that the disease can’t destroy.
@pb1505thfc: With my dad’s Alzheimer’s starting to take affect this is heartwarming and relatable to me (and many others I’m sure) … fair play to the lad for sharing 👊❤️
@COYSJordan94: This is so powerful 👏 I lost my Nan had it and seeing someone close to you have it is heartbreaking. Horrible Horrible disease.
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