Mesut Ozil Surprises Seriously Ill Arsenal Fan By Inviting Him To His Home

Mesut Ozil invited Arsenal fan Callum Axford for a tour around his house in a brilliant surprise earlier.

Axford, from Thundersley, Essex, was born prematurely with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and is currently living with Neurofibromatosis, Chronic Lung Disease and Cerebral Palsy.

Due to his condition, Callum must visit hospital regularly for check-ups and to monitor his lungs, so when his parents told him that he was heading for a routine doctor's appointment, the 8-year-old thought nothing of it.

Image: Rays Of Sunshine Charity

But the special meeting, organised by Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity, was a complete surprise to the youngster.

Coincidentally, both Callum and his sister, Sophie, decided to wear their favourite Arsenal jerseys as they wanted to ask the doctor if he was an Arsenal supporter.

However, little did Callum know when he arrived at the building that it was his favourite football player's home.

Image: Rays Of Sunshine Charity

Ozil is an ambassador for the Rays Of Sunshine charity and has met Callum at previous events and developed a unique bond with the child.

So much so, that the Arsenal midfielder specifically requested to invite the eight-year-old to his home to enjoy an afternoon kicking the football and helping Callum to forget about his illness and hospital appointments.

Respect.

Image: Rays Of Sunshine Charity

Ozil posted a clip on his Twitter of the pair meeting with the caption:

"It was great to surprise my mate Callum at my house, always enjoy our special time together @raysofsunshinecc."

Despite everything he's been through at such a young age, Callum is a very happy and sociable young boy who always has a smile on his face.

In July 2018, Rays of Sunshine granted Callum's wish to go to Disneyland Paris with his family to create precious memories and to meet his favourite Disney characters.

The children's charity was formed in 2003 to brighten the lives of seriously ill young people and their families across the UK by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospital and within the community.

Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity was formed in 2003 to brighten the lives of seriously ill young people and their families across the UK by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospital and within the community. For more information, or to apply for a wish to be granted, please visit www.raysofsunshine.org.uk.

Topics: Football News, Football, Mesut Ozil, Premier League, Arsenal

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_