FOOTBALL legend David Beckham surprised children at a hospice in Oxford recently.

The former England captain’s visit to Helen & Douglas House came about after he had been interviewed on BBC Radio Oxford by Jasper Grannum, 14, who is cared for by the hospice.

Jasper said that he loved playing pool, to which Mr Beckham responded he would challenge him to a game.

He then organised a visit soon after the interview, and arrived last week.

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His temperature was taken on arrival and he was given hand sanitiser, before spending the afternoon with three families who the hospice cares for.

Jasper, who has Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy, said: “It was off the scale sensational to meet the best football player ever. I won a game of pool against him and he gave me a signed Miami football shirt.”

Mr Beckham also spent time with Mason, 15, and Taylor Morgan, 8, and Mason Fernley, 17.

Children, families and staff had their photos taken with Mr Beckham, who also gave each child a signed Inter Miami shirt.

Oxford Mail:

Clare Periton, chief executive of Helen & Douglas House, said: “It was such a special day which really lifted everyone’s spirits and made special memories which will be with us all forever.”

Parent Menetta Morgan said: “It was very nice to see him and talk to him and to know that he also struggles at times to get his children to focus on school work during the lockdown just like a lot of us parents.”

Mason Fernley added: “David is one of my heroes and I never thought I would get to meet him so I’m very lucky. I’m not going to ever wash my signed football shirt from him.”