Teen who raised £26K in pandemic will wear ‘lucky shirt’ for Lionesses’ match

A GIRL who inspired the nation to do 7.1million keepy-uppies will wear her “lucky shirt” tomorrow for the Lionesses’ World Cup semi-final.

Imogen Papworth-Heidel was 11 when she raised £26,000 to support NHS key workers during the pandemic, completing over 1.1million kick-ups herself.

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Lioness Lucy Bronze sent the youngster, now 13, her signed shirt, which Imogen will wear at her home in Suffolk for the game against Australia.

Imogen’s dad Karl, 53, said: “My daughter will be wearing that when she cheers on the Lionesses on Tuesday.

“She’s been absolutely glued to every game.

“Imogen just can’t get enough of it and the footie is really keeping her occupied during the summer holidays.

“Lucy Bronze’s shirt normally hangs pride of place on Imogen’s bedroom wall, but she’ll be wearing it when England take on Australia.

“She’s convinced that her lucky shirt will help them win.

“She hardly ever takes it off the wall and she’s scared of getting it dirty in case washing it will erase Lucy’s autograph.

“Lucy’s her absolute hero.”

England’s Keira Walsh, 26, yesterday said the team were “ready for the fight”.