WWE legend John Cena wears mask as he hugs seven-year-old boy battling cancer for surprise Make-A-Wish Foundation visit
WWE legend John cena donned a face mask to surprise a seriously ill child for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The 16-time world title holder, a joint-record with Ric Flair, recently had his first match in over a year at WrestleMania 36 – despite it being in front of an empty arena due to the coronavirus outbreak.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus in sport live blog for the latest news & updates
But once again the wrestler-turned-Hollywood movie star showed his magic is not only contained to the ring and silver screen despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Cena recently visited seven-year-old David Castle, who is fighting a Wilms tumour, at his home in Tampa, Florida.
And he did not come empty-handed as he handed over two WWE Titles, a signed t-shirt, hat, armbands and a programme to the youngster. WFLA News report that Pasco County Fire Rescue service helped to put the surprise together, with the kid’s mother, Tammy Miller, saying her son had tears in his eyes when meeting Cena.
The star is well-known for his charity work, granting over 650 wishes for the organisation so far despite his packed schedule.
David was diagnosed with Wilms tumor in October 2019 and was already in stage four upon diagnosis, with it now spread to other parts of his body.
His family have set up a GoFundMe page, aiming to raise money for David's medical expenses, which you can donate to by clicking here.
Just two months ago the wrestling icon was hailed after another example of him being a champion away from the ring emerged.
Vietnam veteran Charles “Bud” Phillips was grabbing supplies at a Publix supermarket in Land O’ Lakes, Florida, when the big surprise occurred.
Just as he was about to pay for his groceries, up stepped the 42-year-old Cena to take care of the bill – and then he posed for a selfie with the ex-military man.
The picture of the powerhouse and former soldier soon went viral after it was posted on Reddit.
And Charles’ daughter, Stefanie Phillips, later explained to ET Online how the heartwarming moment unfolded.
She said: “My dad was behind him in the checkout line. They were chatting and John thanked my dad for his service [after] seeing his SeaBees hat.
“John secretly paid for all of his groceries. My dad didn’t even know until he was being checked out and the cashier said, ‘John paid for your groceries.’ The bill was around $100.”
LATEST WWE NEWS
Stefanie added: “My dad is a retired Vietnam veteran [and] a widow. We lost my mom five years ago unexpectedly [after] they were married almost 50 years. So, as you can imagine, not too much these days make him smile as big as he did in that picture.
“That’s what is so special about this moment. A simple act of kindness brightened his day. Along with his family seeing that smile on his face!
“He’s a stay-home, cook-from-scratch kind of guy. He loves to cook. “So, going to the grocery store to gather ingredients is his get-outta-the-house event these days.”
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - BE IN THE KNOW
Get the latest coronavirus news, facts and figures from around the world - plus essential advice for you and your family.
To receive our Covid-19 newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply 'Like' our Coronavirus page.