An Everton fan whose close family members died from cancer received a surprise school visit from footballer Jack Grealish.
Eight-year-old Georgie’s father and grandmother died after being diagnosed with cancer – his mother has now been diagnosed with stage four blood cancer.
Advertisement
Georgie’s mother Gemma nominated her son for the surprise on the last day of an Everton competition by his mother after the eight-year-old went through the loss of his father, grandmother and a teaching assistant.
Speaking of the visit to St Monica’s Primary School in Bootle, Gemma said Grealish’s visit had provided some relief after a “stressful” time.
His mother Gemma, who has been diagnosed with stage four blood cancer, said she “nearly cried on the phone” when the club called her to say Georgie had been selected.
“He’s always loved Grealish, even when he was at Manchester City.”
Advertisement
She told how she was asked to keep the visit to St Monica’s Catholic Primary School in Bootle a secret and hide from her son when Grealish surprised Georgie’s class earlier this month.
The club recently posted a video showing the children’s delighted reactions, while the former Aston Villa player – who is on loan at the Blues from Manchester City – joined them in making Christmas crafts and joked that he and Georgie were “best mates”.
“He was just so lovely, he just has a way about him with kids,” Gemma said.
Grealish joined the class in making Christmas crafts [EFC]
Gemma later met Grealish with her son and father Keith, who had also nominated Georgie for the surprise visit.
Advertisement
“Georgie asked [Grealish] to do an Erling Haaland celebration after he next scores for Everton.”
The pupil has also been invited to be a mascot for Everton’s match against Arsenal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
Grealish said: “We’ll look after him and I’ve heard he likes Declan Rice as well, so I’ll make sure I get Dec’s shirt for him.”
Grealish met Georgie’s mother Gemma and grandfather Keith at the school [EFC]
Gemma, who found she had pneumonia after becoming ill during an Everton game, said Grealish’s visit had provided some relief after a “stressful” time.
“It meant the world. Georgie’s still on a high,” she said.
Advertisement
Grandfather Keith said: “It means so much to us for Grealish to come and take the time to meet him and look after him.
“Georgie has coped with everything so well and been so supportive to his mum and everyone around him.
“He and his mum are an inspiration to me. The way they’ve handled it is phenomenal.”
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
