We joined Chelsea FC for their first Community Day of the season alongside Royal Brompton patient Albie

As part of our growing relationship with Chelsea Football Club and the Chelsea Foundation, we were delighted to be invited back for their first Community Day of the new season, where those in attendance are given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet the first-team, followed by photos and autographs. 

Joining us this month was Albie, who has been under the care of Royal Brompton since he was a baby. Now aged 8 and a keen footballer himself, he was joined by mum Demi. Albie has Tetralogy of Fallot, which is a form of congenital heart disease. Shortly after birth, he was brought to Royal Brompton where he has bravely undergone two operations at a very young age.  

He now comes to Royal Brompton as well as Great Ormond Street Hospital just once a year and was invited to the Community Day by our Charity as a special treat in recognition of his courage and for always having a smile on his face! Albie was only told about the Community Day when arriving at the football training ground and as a huge Chelsea Fan, was beaming with excitement. 

Albie had the opportunity to meet new manager Frank Lampard as well as superstar Mason Mount. He was particularly excited to meet Chelsea's new signing Christian Pulisic, who gave Albie a high five!

Speaking on the day mum Demi said, "Today has truly made Albie so happy. We really appreciate this amazing opportunity the Charity and Chelsea have given us."

Albie said, "One day I would like to play for Chelsea."

A big thank you to the Chelsea Foundation for enabling us to offer these special days to our young patients. A special thank you also goes to the Thomas family who are great supporters of Royal Brompton and have been involved in lots of fundraising for the hospital.