Arsenal have offered up a heartwarming gesture to help fan Tawanda Chamunorwa enjoy a match at the Emirates Stadium after he was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Twenty-six-year-old Tawanda turned up to the Emirates for Sunday's clash with Leeds expecting to watch the game with his uncle, but was surprised by Arsenal who had arranged for him to be seated in a box. The club also ensured that Tawanda was given a shirt signed by the squad.
He was treated to a 2-1 victory by Mikel Arteta's men courtesy of two goals from Eddie Nketiah which put Arsenal on course to qualify for next season's Champions League. Speaking after the game, Tawanda said that he had been left delighted by the experience, stating that it had given him more hope and will to fight for his life. He is hopeful of attending more Gunners matches in the future.
Tawanda was first diagnosed with a rare type of reoccurring brain tumor in 2014 named Ependymoma, which was reclassified to Astroblastoma in 2020. Despite numerous surgeries and both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, he was told by doctors that he has just months to live.
However, after eight years of fighting, Tawanda is still determined not to give up. Despite his illness, he has graduated from the University of Kent with a degree in sports therapy which he hopes to one day turn into a career as a sports therapist.
In order to help him achieve this dream his family are trying to raise funds to support clinical trials and alternative treatments. You can donate to Tawanda's cause by clicking here.
