A close family member of an Everton fan has died from cancer and footballer Jack Grealish paid a surprise visit to the school.
Eight-year-old George’s father and grandmother died after being diagnosed with cancer, while his mother has now been diagnosed with stage four blood cancer.
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Georgie’s mother Gemma nominated her son for the final-day surprise at Everton as the eight-year-old lost his father, grandmother and assistant coach.
Speaking about the visit to St Monica’s Primary School in Bootle, Gemma said Grealish’s visit provided some relief after a “nervous” period.
His mother Gemma, who has been diagnosed with stage four blood cancer, said she “almost cried on the phone” when the club called her to say Georgie had been selected.
“He’s always liked Jack Grealish, even at Manchester City.”
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She told how she was asked to keep the visit to St Monica’s Catholic Primary School in Bootle secret from her son when Grealish surprised George’s class earlier this month.
The club recently released a video showing the children’s delighted reactions and the former Aston Villa player, who is on loan from Manchester City, joined them in making Christmas crafts and joked that he and Georgie were “best mates”.
“He’s just so sweet and he has a great way with kids,” Gemma said.
Grealish joins class making Christmas crafts [EFC]
Gemma later met Grealish with her son and father Keith, who also nominated George for the surprise visit.
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Georgie asked [Grealish] Celebrating after Haaland scored for Everton’s next goal. “
The student has also been invited to be the mascot for Everton’s match against Arsenal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
Grealish said: “We’ll look after him and I heard he likes Declan Rice too so I’ll make sure I get him a Declan Rice shirt.”
Grealish met George’s mother Gemma and grandfather Keith at school [EFC]
Gemma, who discovered she had pneumonia after falling ill during an Everton game, said Grealish’s arrival had given her some relief after a “nervous” period.
“It means the world. Georgie is still in a state of excitement,” she said.
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Grandfather Keith said: “It means a lot to us that Grealish took the time to meet him and look after him.
“George is coping well with everything and is very supportive of his mum and everyone around him.
“He and his mom were an inspiration to me. The way they handled it was amazing.”
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