John Terry sometimes makes the headlines for the wrong reasons but this time, it was for the right one. The Chelsea captain made a wonderful emotional gesture to young Chelsea fan who sadly passed away after suffering from Leukemia.
The boy’s name Tommi was a big fan of Chelsea Football club and got to meet several of the players including Terry before he took his last breath. The long-serving defender paid £1,600 for the boy’s funeral after hearing the news.
Terry told Cambridge news that he was “totally devastated” to hear about the sad incident. A family friend contacted Terry through Instagram and requested if he would be able to assist the family in any way.
The player replied immediately saying he had contacted the funeral director and would make the payment himself. Tommi’s passing was last month after he was diagnosed with the disease aged only 3. It happened after an unsuccessful attempt to carry out a bone marrow transplant.
Tommi’s mother Ruth Miller was moved by Terry’s gesture and knew how much the Captain took to him.“When we visited the stadium, you could tell John Terry was really taken by him and his cheekiness but it was still a shock when we heard.”
"Tommi obviously made a big impression on him and he was one of his favorite players so it's very special to usI'm overwhelmed really, because Tommi was such a great fan of John Terry in particular. He was one of his favorite players.”
Photo Credits: Ruth Miller
“We don't want a traditional sort of funeral. It's for a child, so we thought we would have it as bright and cheerful as he would want it.” She also revealed how Terry contacted Tommi before his condition turned serious saying, “Just before Tommi was put on life support we received a personal letter from John Terry and it was read out to him. He was heavily sedated so we only hope he could hear us.”
“He adored the whole team as well as Petr Cech, before he went to Arsenal.” Tommi’s story made the headlines when his benefits were cut off and the family had to rely on community donations and food banks. for financial support.
The funeral will take place on Thursday and as a tribute, the attendees will be wearing jersey’s of either Chelsea or of Cambridge United both of whom Tommi was a fan of. The service will also include releasing 100 blue balloons into the sky.
