Young soccer fan who battled cancer has his dream come true

A soccer-mad schoolboy fulfilled his dream when he stepped out as an England mascot on the hallowed turf at Wembley Stadium.

Eight-year-old Semi Oluwasemilore, from Strood, was diagnosed with cancer last year, accompanied one of his idols, Manchester City player Raheem Sterling at the friendly against Italy. And Semi, now in remission, described it as “the best day of my life”.

Semi, who is a top scorer for Northfleet Eagles, continued to play even when he was having gruelling chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Mum Temi Elegba, 38, said: “It’s what keeps him going. He has always been very active and sporty. He had to give up rugby and swimming because it was too physical. But nothing can stop him playing football.”

Arsenal fan Semi’s dream came true, thanks to the Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity and the Football Association.

Temi said: “He was asked while he was at the Royal Marsden Hospital if he had a wish what would it be.We also got picked up in a limo to visit the Arsenal training ground and he met some of the team.”

Temi first took him to their GP when she noticed a growth in his groin.

Further blood tests and x-rays revealed lumps at the back of his neck.

The Gordon Academy pupil still has to have check-ups every three months, but the signs are he has overcome the illness

She said: “Semi is an amazing brave boy. He has been through a lot lately health-wise, but has always been very strong.

It was an absolute honour for him to experience such an opportunity. He was a bit overwhelmed and starstruck. It will be a day he will never forget.”

Jane Sharpe is the chief executive of Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity, which brightens up the lives of seriously ill children by granting their wishes.

She added: “Mascot places are extremely coveted, so we are grateful we were able to invite Semi to enjoy this opportunity.”