Luton mascot thanks life-saving hero before trophy win

Kayden and his mum, Lizzy, were reunited with optician Aubaid Aftar before Sunday's final [George Litchfield/BBC]

There were double celebrations pitch-side at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Not only did about 30,000 Luton fans see the Hatters beat Stockport County 3-1 to take home the English Football League Trophy, but the team's mascot, Kayden Douglas-Imasuen, was reunited with the man who helped save his life.

Kayden, 12, from Wootton in Bedfordshire, led his team out to glory, and also got to speak to Aubaid Aftar - the optician who spotted signs of a brain tumour during an appointment in August 2024.

Kayden emotionally thanked him, and his mother, Lizzy, said because Aftar had referred him to Bedford Hospital, 'I still have a son".

Luton were crowned the winners of the Vertu Trophy at Wembley on Sunday afternoon [PA Media]

Lizzy, a student nurse, said signs of a possible brain tumour were spotted after her son went to the Specsavers opticians in Bedford and was seen by Aftar.

The mum said this came after repeated visits to the GP, which did not spot the issue.

He then got Kayden an emergency referral to Bedford Hospital, and an MRI scan showed a brain tumour.

Kayden received treatment but suffered a stroke during his third operation to remove it. Doctors have since said he needs no more treatment.

The announcer at Wembley said Kayden was chosen to walk his team out due to his "amazing resilience and bravery" and asked the crowd to give him a "huge cheer", which they did.

In March, Kayden met Luton Town players during a visit to the dressing room [Luton Town Football Club]

Before the game, Kayden said he was "over the moon" to be his club's mascot, and he also predicted the win.

When he saw Aftar, he said "thank you, you helped save my life".

His mother said she had been left feeling "very humble" and added: "The support from the Luton fans and the club has been very overwhelming.

"Aubaid, you are my hero, you know I'm forever grateful. My son is here because of you. You went above and beyond that day, and here we are, I still have a son."

Aftar, who was gifted two VIP tickets to the game, said: "It's a great feeling seeing him walking the team out.

"It feels amazing, it's great. I'm happy he's doing so well."

Kayden, with his dad, Jayden, and mum, Lizzy, are also Luton Town supporters [BBC]

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More on this story

• Stroke survivor, 12, to be Luton mascot in final
• Walsh hopes winning goal will aid Luton redemption
• Luton beat Stockport to win EFL Trophy final

Related internet links

• Wembley Stadium
• Luton Town Football Club
• Stroke Association
• Brain Tumour Charity