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Being a mascot was amazing, says boy who had cancer

Louise Parryand
Kate Bradbrook,Northampton
News imageContributed Ezra stands on the pitch next to Sam, who has his arm around Ezra's shoulder, and they both smile at the camera. Ezra holds the football which is in team colours of Maroon and white. He wears the team T-shirt with a University of Northampton logo on, over a black long-sleeved top. The pitch is lit up and there are some players behind them warming up.Contributed
Ezra walked out alongside Cobblers captain Sam Hoskins

A boy who spent last Christmas in hospital with leukaemia said it was "amazing" to walk out as the mascot for his favourite football team.

Ezra,11, from Northampton, made a special appearance alongside the captain of Northampton Town FC at Sixfields Stadium on Friday.

"I got to meet the players in the dressing room before the game, and I also walked out with Sam Hoskins," said Ezra.

His dad Kie told the BBC: "It was a real realisation moment for us that we're kind of getting through the thick of it now, and getting out the back of it."

News imageContributed Ezra is laying on a hospital bed and is looking directly at the camera and is smiling. His arms are behind his head and he is wearing a black, grey and yellow football shirt.Contributed
Ezra spent last Christmas in hospital after a shock diagnosis of leukaemia

Ezra, from Northampton, was diagnosed with leukaemia in November 2024 and has since had a bone marrow transplant.

Being treated at hospital in Nottingham, Ezra was even given a robot – nicknamed Ezbot – which enabled him to virtually attend school and friends' football matches.

He returned to school in September and said he was looking forward to spending this Christmas at home.

"I really missed the dog and my own bed. I felt like I missed a lot of things going on– Christmas dinners, secret santa," he said.

News imageEzra and captain Sam walk out onto the pitch along with members of Northampton Town and the other team, AFC Wimbledon. Stewards or mascots wave chequered red and white flags, along with a person dressed as Santa. You can see two of the four sides of the stadium which is packed with crowds. It is night time and the pitch is floodlit.
Ezra walking out with his team, which went on to beat AFC Wimbledon 3-1 in League One

The group that organised the robot also "sorted it" so Ezra could be the Cobblers mascot.

"I felt really excited but nervous at the same time. But it wasn't as nerve-wracking as I thought," he said.

Kie said: "It was incredible to see him walk out, and Northampton Town were incredible.

"They really made a fuss of him and went out of their way to make it as special as possible

"His face, seeing him walk out in the pitch smiling his head off – it was a special moment."

News imageContributed Kevin puts his arm around Ezra and they both smile at the camera. They are inside with a large sign of the Northampton logo behind them, against white brick walls. Kevin wears a grey hoodie and black trousers.Contributed
Cobblers' manager Kevin Nolan said he was "delighted" that Ezra could join them

Kie said the event also provided a chance to return the robot back to the charity, which was "a big milestone".

"Ezra was determined to get better. Everything doctors said, he would do - whether it was drink two litres of water a day, or go for a walk.

"He's been incredible and I can't put into words how proud I am.

"To see him out there with his football team and a guard of honour was pretty special," he added.

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