Boss and players help grant wish of seriously ill youngster
A signed first team shirt and a genuine match ball were among the gifts manager Richie Barker and four of his squad passed on to seriously ill Denmead boy Jack Robinson during a surprise hospital visit.
And when his health improves, Blues boss Barker has promised him a day to remember with a unique opportunity to come and watch the players train and then have lunch with them.
Richie, along with goalkeeper Trevor Carson, midfielders Johnny Ertl and Romain Padovani and defender Daniel Alfei, dropped in on Jack, who is in Southampton General Hospital, after training on Wednesday.
The four-year-old had a life-saving operation to remove a brain tumour a fortnight ago and has only a slim chance of survival.
His family are keen to make as many of his wishes come true and Pompey were more than happy to do their bit.
Barker said: “We were delighted to come along and see Jack. It was the least that we could do. He’s clearly a fighter and if we can make a little bit of difference to his life then we should do it.
“When Jack’s feeling better we will be getting him down to the training ground to see what goes on there, before having lunch with the players.”
Padovani added: “As players it is important we do things like this. It helps you appreciate how lucky you are.”
As well as the ball and shirt, worn by Alfei in the 1-0 win at Wycombe, Jack also received some photographs and signed programmes, as did his twin brother Liam.