Boy excited at mascot role after cancer diagnosis

An eight-year-old boy with a rare type of cancer will live out one of his dreams when he becomes the mascot for his favourite football team.

Noah, a pupil in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, was diagnosed in July with kidney cancer, after initially complaining of stomach pain.

He is a regular at Kidderminster Harriers games and will be their mascot on Saturday after winning a competition.

Harriers players Tapio Boudet and Ben Beresford helped spring the surprise at Noah's school and Boudet said: "It was fantastic to see his face".

"It's so important for kids to see players giving back to the community. We can't wait to see him again on Saturday."

Beresford added: "He was a bit nervous but you could tell it meant a lot. Hopefully he's our good luck charm this weekend."

Mr Mundie said the experience would mean "everything" to Noah

As part of his special day, Noah will have a three-course meal at the ground with his family, get a signed team shirt and walk on to the pitch with the Harriers captain, ahead of their game against Needham Market.

When asked what he was most excited about, Noah grinned: "Having food with them."

The eight-year-old has had 36 rounds of chemotherapy after doctors found a tumour which they told his family was the size of a rugby ball.

He has continued to go to school and his teacher, Luke Mundie, said he was an "an absolute soldier" who always arrives with "a huge smile on his face."

Dave Hodgetts, from Talbots Law, said Noah's story stood out in their mascot contest

Mr Mundie said the experience would mean "everything" to Noah.

"He might not show it — he's quite shy — but his heart will be racing," he said.

"He plays to win, but he's a real team player. We couldn't be prouder of him."

Noah was chosen from more than 250 entries in the competition run by Talbots Law.

Their chief executive Dave Hodgetts said: "Noah's story really stood out. He's an amazing local lad, and we're thrilled to treat him like royalty on Saturday."