Ella Toone's eyes spark with emotion as she recalls the defining moments that have shaped her remarkable career – and the heartbreaking losses that have tested her resolve. The Lioness's courageous journey is laid bare in the new BBC documentary, '24 Hours with Ella Toone', a poignant exploration of grief, football, and finding strength in adversity.
Nick Toone, the devoted dad who breathed life into women's football, was more than just a proud parent – he was the driving force behind Ella's early success. His meticulous analysis, recorded for posterity after every match, was an extension of his unwavering passion for the game. This remarkable man knew every player, discussed every match with anyone willing to listen, and travelled far and wide to support his daughter's club and international pursuits.
But there were secrets Nick kept hidden from Ella during her 2022 European Championship triumph over Germany – a diagnosis of prostate cancer that would one day take him from the sidelines. The devastating news didn't reach Ella until after Manchester United's FA Cup win in May 2024, just days before his 60th birthday. A few months later, Nick was gone, leaving behind an indelible mark on his daughter's life and career.
Toone's remarkable resilience is evident as she recounts returning to training soon after her dad's passing – a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared. Her first game back at Old Trafford was a difficult but necessary step forward, a poignant reminder that football has always been more than just a game for Ella.
However, it wasn't until an enforced break due to a calf injury in November that Toone could truly process her grief. During this two-month window of reflection, she sought the support of counselling and took time off, returning to the pitch in January with a renewed sense of purpose. The match was Manchester United's 7-0 FA Cup victory over West Brom – a performance where Ella dedicated a stunning long-range goal to her father, pointing heavenward in a heart-wrenching tribute.
As she looks ahead to her wedding this summer, Toone acknowledges the bittersweet reality of celebrating without her dad by her side. Yet even in sorrow, she finds strength in honouring his legacy – on and off the pitch. With her fiancé Joe Bunney a constant source of support, Ella continues to inspire a new generation of women in football, a torch that will burn brightly long after Nick Toone's passing.