Cancer sufferer’s dream come true as he meets Gerrard

Mar 27 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD cancer sufferer has met his football idol – Steven Gerrard.

Jordan Hoban, from Kirkby, who has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia realised his dream of meeting the England squad during a surprise visit to Wembley.

Jordan presented Gerrard with a player of the year trophy on behalf of the fa.com website. He also watched the team training and met players including Peter Crouch, Ashley Cole and David James.

National charity Dreams Come True arranged the trip for Jordan who is currently in remission. Jordan was diagnosed with the acute leuk- aemia in 2004. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (All), is a form of cancer of the white blood cells.

Malignant, immature white blood cells continuously multiply and are overproduced in the bone marrow.

It is treated with chemotherapy which can get rid of the leukaemia cells in up to eight out of 10 people.

Kim Hoban, Jordan's mother, said: "Giving Gerrard the trophy was the icing on the cake for what was a perfect day for Jordan. His dream really has come true."

"Jordan loves football and hasn't stopped talking about the day.

“Being ill, he's never really been able to play football so to see him there on the pitch fulfilling his ultimate dream was a magical moment for the family.

“It was devastating to see Jordan so ill. He couldn’t walk for 10 weeks, he lost all of his hair within five days of chemo, and he was in intensive car for seven days.

“He missed out on so much because of his low immune system. He hasn’t been able to go to a Liverpool match or do the same things as his friends.

“He is in remission now. He is so happy he is getting better and his friends are dead jealous he has met Steven Gerrard.”

Jordan added: "I had an amazing day, I loved it! I got to meet all the players and have my photo taken with them and also had my shirt signed by all of them, which I've framed and has pride of place on my bedroom wall."

Philip Pride, fundraising manager at Dream Come True, which helps seriously ill children fulfil their dreams, said: "We're thrilled he had such a great day."

laurasharpe@dailypost.co.uk