A BOY who has been battling cancer had his dream realised when he met the squad of a premiership football team.

Twelve-year-old William Lenton, from Hitchin, was whisked off to meet the Chelsea squad when they played Stoke City at their London ground Stamford Bridge.

The Priory School pupil, who has been treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, was diagnosed with a form of cancer, Ryabdomyosarcoma, a year ago. Prior to the illness, he was a keen footballer for Broadhall FC in Stevenage.

His Chelsea outing was organised by charity Rays of Sunshine, which grants wishes for children living with serious illnesses.

“He has been really brave. He’s doing really well,” said William’s mum, Kathryn, who joined William at Stamford Bridge.

The youngster, whose favourite player is Frank Lampard, was collected by a limousine from his home in Oughton Head Way, and driven to the premiership stadium.

He was allowed to choose some merchandise from the store and, after watching the game, met his football heroes in the tunnel to congratulate them on their win and get photographs and autographs.

He was then escorted home in the limousine.

“He was incredibly excited to meet all the players and loved getting them to sign his shirt,” added Kathryn. “It was a great experience for William and the whole family.”

For more information on the charity, visit www.raysofsunshine.org.uk