Special moment as Jack Grealish surprises brave young Everton fan at Bootle school

Everton star Jack Grealish made a brave young Toffee’s dreams come true after a heartbreaking period in the eight-year-old’s life.

Georgie, who lives in Bootle, tragically lost his father before his first birthday, then his mother Gemma was diagnosed with stage four blood cancer, which led to chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.

Georgie also lost his nan two years ago, while his favourite teaching assistant – who also supported Everton – passed away earlier this year.

Despite these awful events, Georgie continues to excel in school, while holding a deep passion for playing football and watching the Blues. He has also been a huge help to his mum during her treatment, and was nominated for the surprise by his grandad Keith.

James Gouldbourne, Headteacher of St Monica’s, said of Georgie: “Despite huge challenges, Georgie turns up to school every day with a positive mindset and a beaming smile. He is a joyful young man and a great learner. He is a fantastic role model for his peers and the rest of the school. I could not be more pleased for him.”

To reward his bravery, Grealish – Georgie's favourite player – turned up unannounced at Saint Monica's Primary School the morning after scoring Everton's only goal in a 1-0 away win over Bournemouth to gift Georgie his shirt from the match and a pair of his boots, as well as inviting him to be a mascot for the Toffees' final game before Christmas, against Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday (December 20).

Grealish, who also helped out with some Christmas crafts at the school, told evertontv: "It was a lovely day to surprise little Georgie. To see how much he appreciated it and to meet the other kids as well – it was a really special day for me and hopefully him, too.

"I feel like Everton is such a family club. Everyone is so together here. I think it's important that it's like that and I really respect the way it is.

"It'll be a special moment for him to be mascot. 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."

Gemma, who was taken ill while attending an Everton game with son Georgie in October this year, said: "To watch your mum go through what I've been through when you haven't got your dad there must be really scary.

"We lost his nan in the same hospital that I was going to for treatment so I know he was terrified but he's got on with his life with help from family and friends. He's so positive all of the time."

Georgie's grandad, Keith, added: "Jack is Georgie's favourite player. He idolises him. It means so much to us for him 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."