Young Arsenal supporters at Great Ormond Street Hospital received an unforgettable pre-Christmas surprise when a group of first-team stars paid a special festive visit. Bukayo Saka and the trio of Gabriels – Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Magalhães – arrived wearing bright red Christmas jumpers and bearing sacks of presents, bringing immense joy to children facing long-term health challenges.
A Buzz of Anticipation on the Ward
Excitement had been building on the hospital's Koala ward following a recent visit from the Arsenal women's team captain, Leah Williamson, and her teammate Steph Catley. Rumours of more special guests began to circulate. Danny Bell, a specialist paediatric physiotherapist in neuro-oncology, noted the palpable anticipation, spotting an Arsenal shirt and suspecting the children might have an idea of what was to come, even if they didn't know the exact identities of their visitors.
The players' appearance prompted gasps of delight. They used a rare midweek break from fixtures to engage with the community, with other squad members visiting the Arsenal Hub community centre. The visit continued Arsenal's long-standing support for the world-renowned children's hospital, which includes funding a lung function unit opened by former manager Arsène Wenger in 2012.
Games, Goals, and Unforgettable Moments
Five long-term patients gathered in a vibrant physiotherapy room to challenge the footballers to a series of games. The session began with a competitive round of sitting-down volleyball, where Bukayo Saka showed particular determination, throwing himself around to beat a score set by the previous women's team visitors. The players then joined in a game of hoopla, with Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli happily donning reindeer antlers.
Despite a groin injury keeping him from the pitch, Gabriel Magalhães participated fully, showing no signs of discomfort. The visit culminated in a penalty shootout, where a young fan named Simon, wearing a fluorescent yellow Arsenal away shirt, managed to nutmeg Saka before expertly scoring a second and celebrating with Martinelli's signature one-eyed gesture.
More Than Just a Game: The Power of Sport and Community
For Simon's mother, Fatima Allard, the impact of the visit was profound. "This is something he is never going to forget," she said, explaining that her son, who has been in and out of hospital since birth and recently had major surgery, is football-obsessed. She emphasised how crucial sport and such positive interactions are for his mental health during treatment.
Danny Bell highlighted the core philosophy of their work: dismantling the stigma that children with serious illnesses should be wrapped in cotton wool. "The biggest thing we do is push the idea that physical activity is something that young people with health conditions can and should do," he stated. The programme encourages children to begin physiotherapy soon after surgery, which can include football, tennis, and swimming in the hospital's state-of-the-art facilities, fostering a lifelong healthy relationship with activity.
Bell shared the story of another patient, Maya, a major Arsenal fan who sadly missed the visit but has made significant rehabilitation progress through swimming. Her journey from apprehension to spending 45 minutes happily in the pool exemplifies the programme's success.
Back on the ward, Simon created a magical moment for a friend by FaceTiming them with Saka and Martinelli by his bedside. He urged Martinelli to perform his celebration if he scored against Everton that weekend. The Brazilian forward, who later reflected on the visit, said, "Connecting with our local community and supporters brings me so much joy and really puts things into perspective... They fuel us and give us inspiration." He praised the incredible energy and positivity of the hospital staff who make every day as special as possible for their young patients.
