Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhães among those playing games with children, some of whom have been receiving treatment for several years
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here’s a buzz going around Great Ormond Street hospital’s Koala ward. After the England captain, Leah Williamson, and her Arsenal teammate Steph Catley visited the previous week, rumours have been spreading that there could be some more very special guests arriving in the buildup to Christmas.
“I think there’s a little bit of a rumble,” says Danny Bell, a specialist paediatric physiotherapist in neuro-oncology who works with children recovering from brain tumours. “I can see an Arsenal shirt out there, so that might just be a very big coincidence! They may know the team involved, but I don’t think they know any individuals. So I’m really looking forward to seeing their faces as it dawns on them who is going to be here.”
Sure enough, there are gasps of disbelief when Bukayo Saka and – most aptly for this time of year – the three Gabriels (Jesus, Martinelli and Magalhães) emerge wearing bright red Arsenal Christmas jumpers and carrying red sacks stuffed full of presents. Other members of the Premier League leaders’ squad are taking advantage of their first midweek without a fixture since the end of August by visiting charities connected to the club. Eberechi Eze is pictured playing bowls with Ethan Nwaneri at the Arsenal Hub – the home of Arsenal in the Community – while Mikel Merino spars with a boxing class.
