Exclusive: Luton player surprises 12-year-old mascot with gift before Wembley match
Kayden suffered a stroke during his third operation to remove a brain tumour
A 12-year-old boy from Bedfordshire who suffered a stroke during an operation to remove a brain tumour says he cannot wait to lead his favourite team out at Wembley tomorrow.
Luton Town player, Kasey Palmer came to Kayden’s house yesterday to surprise him a pair of his favourite trainers - Nike Air Jordan's - before the big day.
Kayden, aged 12, says the pair had a deal: “He said, if I continue doing my rehab work, then he would buy me Jordans.
“I'm over the moon right now because they're very nice and clean, and I didn't need to ask my parents to buy them.”
Kayden from Wootton in Bedfordshire suffered a stroke during an operation to remove a brain tumour, which left him with some paralysis and sight impairment.
Palmer told Greatest Hits Radio: “When Kayden came into the dressing room, he inspired everyone at the club.
“It's just motivational.”
Luton Town are up against Stockport County in the EFL Vertu Trophy Final on Sunday.
Kayden Douglas-Imasuen will be the town’s mascot leading the team out onto the pitch and he says he “can’t wait” for it.
Around 420 children are diagnosed with brain tumours each year in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK.
Kayden’s mum Lizzy said he was “a normal boy, healthy, no issues, no concerns” before he started suffering from headaches and vomiting.
It was then when Kayden went for an eye-test that they found he had low pressure coming from the back of the head and was referred to Bedford Hospital.
She said: “I would secretly cry and Kaden would say to me, ‘mum, I'll be fine’.
“He's so strong, he's strong-willed, he's determined. So, it's quite nice to see that even at my lowest point, Caden just knew he's going to be okay.”
Lizzy added that the support she and the family has received has been “overwhelming”, as she has seen “all the nice messages about my son”.