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Luton mascot thanks life-saving hero before trophy win

Alex Pope,Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshireand
George Litchfield,Wembley
News imageGeorge Litchfield/BBC Kayden Douglas-Imasuen, his mum Lizzy and Aubaid Aftar all standing by the side of the pitch at Wembley stadium. They all have lanyards on. Kayden has on a Luton football shirt, Lizzy, her hair tied back and a black and white striped shirt, and Aubaid a black gilet and green hoodie. There are lots of red seats behind them and supporters sitting in some of them. A photographer is behind them on the pitch. George Litchfield/BBC
Kayden and his mum, Lizzy, were reunited with optician Aubaid Aftar before Sunday's final

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".

News imagePA Media Luton Town players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Vertu Trophy final at Wembley Stadium, London. There are supporters behind them in the stands. The image is blurred due to confetti cannons going off. The players are in front of a sign and one is holding up the trophy. PA Media
Luton were crowned the winners of the Vertu Trophy at Wembley on Sunday afternoon

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.

News imageLuton Town Football Club Kayden met Luton Town players during a visit to the dressing room. He is wearing a blue shirt, a man is behind him wearing a blue shirt and football scarf and a woman behind them both. Hands are clapping to the left. Luton Town Football Club
In March, Kayden met Luton Town players during a visit to the dressing room

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."

News imageKayden sits on the sofa with his mum and dad. Kayden is wearing a Luton Town scarf around his neck.
Kayden, with his dad, Jayden, and mum, Lizzy, are also Luton Town supporters

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