Say hello to tonight's special guest at Goodison Park, the world's first virtual mascot who is controlled by chronically ill 14-year-old Everton fan Jack McLinden from the comfort of his home.
Jack suffers from Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a condition which has means he is confined to a wheelchair, unable to speak and reliant upon oxygen 24 hours a day.
This is tonight’s match mascot at Goodison: the world’s first virtual mascot, controlled from home by chronically ill 14-year-old Everton fan Jack McLinden. Phil Jagielka will carry Jack out onto the pitch tonight.
Despite his condition, the youngster was at the game this evening as a virtual mascot.
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No Isolation, who create tailored communication tools to put an end to loneliness, say they are very proud to have worked with Everton and WellChild to make Jack's dream come true.
This is a brilliant gesture from Everton Football Club.
🤖 | Meet Jack, who will be getting the full matchday mascot experience from the comfort of his own home via the AV1 robot thanks to @_noisolation and @WellChild! #JacksRobotMascot
Everton captain Phil Jagielka led the youngster out for their Premier League tie against Newcastle United this evening and it certainly got people talking.
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It was a touching moment that will hopefully be repeated around the world to give those who can't be there in person a chance to realise their dream.
Absolute class by @Everton! What a beautiful thing to do for a mascot experience! Get Well Soon Jack! 👏🏼🙏🏼
A great idea, lads.
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