Little Hammer Archie Webb saw his dream come true when he led West Ham United onto the pitch at London Stadium.
A lifelong and devoted West Ham United fan, Archie was born premature and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a lifelong condition that affects movement and co-ordination.
Archie underwent selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery, a neurosurgical procedure aimed at reducing the spasticity in his lower limbs by cutting selective nerve roots in the spinal cord, at London’s Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in January. The operation has enabled Archie to walk more easily and have a better quality of life as he gets older, enabling him to do things like driving a car that will improve his independence.
Before undergoing the surgery, just before Christmas 2024, Archie visited London Stadium, where he was met by his hero, captain Jarrod Bowen, who had previously sent him a video message wishing him well.
Archie told Jarrod how he had cried when he saw the No20 score his UEFA Europa Conference League final winner, before the skipper presented him with a bagful of goodies and invited him to be a mascot when he has recovered from his surgery.
On Saturday, Archie fulfilled Jarrod’s invitation by leading the Hammers out ahead of the Premier League derby with Tottenham Hotspur.
Everyone at West Ham United wishes Archie all the best and looks forward to welcoming him to London Stadium again soon!
