Boy 'still on high' after Jack Grealish surprise

Georgie was nominated for the surprise after losing his father, grandmother and teaching assistant.

Jack Grealish, who wears an Everton blue santa hat and black t-shirt, smiles as he chats with Georgie, who wears the same hat and blue school sweater. They are sitting at a table in a classroom with colourful items pinned up on the wall behind.
Jack Grealish surprised eight-year-old Georgie when he visited his school [EFC]

A young Everton supporter who received a visit from football star Jack Grealish at school is "still on a high", his mother has said.

Georgie was nominated for the surprise on the last day of an Everton competition by his mother after the eight-year-old went through the loss of his father, grandmother and a teaching assistant.

His mother Gemma, who has been diagnosed with stage four blood cancer, said she "nearly cried on the phone" when the club called her to say Georgie had been selected.

"He's always loved Grealish, even when he was at Manchester City."

She told how she was asked to keep the visit to St Monica's Catholic Primary School in Bootle a secret and hide from her son when Grealish surprised Georgie's class earlier this month.

The club recently posted a video showing the children's delighted reactions, while the former Aston Villa player - who is on loan at the Blues from Manchester City - joined them in making Christmas crafts and joked that he and Georgie were "best mates".

"He was just so lovely, he just has a way about him with kids," Gemma said.

Jack Grealish stand and smailes at the front of a classroom with about 20 children. The children are spread around five big tables with various Christmas cutouts in front of them. The children looked surpised to see him as he moves to shake hands with Georgie at his table. Tinsel and school artwork decorate the walls around the room.
Grealish joined the class in making Christmas crafts [EFC]

Gemma later met Grealish with her son and father Keith, who had also nominated Georgie for the surprise visit.

"Georgie asked [Grealish] to do an Erling Haaland celebration after he next scores for Everton."

The pupil has also been invited to be a mascot for Everton's match against Arsenal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.

Grealish said: "We'll look after him and I've heard he likes Declan Rice as well, so I'll make sure I get Dec's shirt for him."

Group shot of Grealish with his arms around mum Gemma, wearing a grey turban cap and white jumper with the word Love, and grandad Keith in a blue Everton shirt on the left. Georgie in his blue Everton santa hat and blue school uniform stands in front of them.
Grealish met Georgie's mother Gemma and grandfather Keith at the school [EFC]

Gemma, who found she had pneumonia after becoming ill during an Everton game, said Grealish's visit had provided some relief after a "stressful" time.

"It meant the world. Georgie's still on a high," she said.

Grandfather Keith said: "It means so much to us for Grealish to come and take the time to meet him and look after him.

"Georgie has coped with everything so well and been so supportive to his mum and everyone around him.

"He and his mum are an inspiration to me. The way they've handled it is phenomenal."

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Category: General Sports