Ho Ming has been diagnosed with the incredibly rare Jarcho Levin Syndrome, a severe muscular skeletal condition which impacts growth and development. According to the World Health Organisation, only 400 cases have ever been reported worldwide.

Ho Ming’s wish was to see his beloved Chelsea, whom he has followed from Hong Kong since childhood. Last month, Chelsea Foundation and Make A Wish contacted the family to let them know that his wish would finally come true, and that Ho Ming would be flown to London to watch Chelsea train and then take on Morecombe in the FA Cup.

Describing the emotions when they received the call, Ho Ming said: ‘We had submitted the wishes during COVID times. Then a few weeks ago we had a message from Make A Wish Hong Kong where they told us about the wish coming true. We said really, next month! It was an incredible surprise, we went from 0 to 100 excitement!’

After watching the team train as part of Chelsea Foundation’s community days, Ho Ming enjoyed photo and autograph opportunities with the squad. Explaining the motivational power of football, he said: ‘When the players are on the pitch they have to run. Whatever happens they have to keep running so to see them persevering motivates me to keep going with my life and whatever difficulties and treatment I have.

‘I love Cole Palmer obviously. Reece James is a great right back and captain, Enzo is an incredible player. It means so much for me to be here. Thank you everyone for making my wish come true!’

After watching training, Ho Ming and his mother were guests at the Blues’ FA Cup third-round tie against Morecombe and had a further opportunity to interact with the players as they arrived at the stadium.

‘Experiencing Stamford Bridge for the first time was a moving and unforgettable experience for them both. At the end of their trip, Vivian eloquently summarised the impact Chelsea Foundation and Make a Wish have had on them both, saying: ‘I was in tears many times, when he was more discouraged I told him to apply. He has made his own decision to apply for it and his wish was to come and see Chelsea. I couldn’t understand why you have to fly 14 hours to see it when you can watch on TV but now I do!

‘After everything happened, he is getting better and I am very moved. It is something I never dreamed of, such a good thing to happen in his life. I have learned a lot from my son, to never give up.

Sometimes he has not been very well, but he has kept going. Chelsea helps him to get through a lot.’