'Dream come true’: Sheffield teen campaigner meets her hero Mo Salah and Liverpool squad
A young Sheffield girl has been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet her footballing heroes after dedicating herself to fundraising for children with additional needs.
Aroob Haroon, who lives with a rare genetic condition, was invited to a special event where she met some of the club’s first-team players including Mo Salah and Van Dijk.
Speaking about the experience, Aroob’s Dad, Haroon Rashid, said: “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“She’s been a supporter since she was very small, and it was one of her biggest dreams to one day meet Mo Salah.”
Aroob has faced extraordinary challenges throughout her young life.
She uses a wheelchair and has spent much of her childhood in hospital, dealing complex daily care routines and persistent pain.
Her rare condition affects fewer than 20 children in the UK.
Aroob’s fundraising work is inspired by the loss of her brother, Ayaan, who died at Sheffield Children’s Hospital in March 2023, just eight days after being admitted with breathing problems.
Since then, she has thrown herself into raising money to support other children facing serious health challenges.
“She was so excited to meet them all, but meeting Mo Salah was the highlight for her,” her Dad added.
“He was such a lovely, humble man, as were all the other players she spoke to. When you meet people who earn half a million a week, you don’t always know what to expect, but they were so lovely and kind.”
Aroob’s smile grew as soon as Salah entered the room:
“As soon as he walked in, she began smiling, and as she sat in a line of four, it grew as he got closer to her.
“You could see her excitement building as she waited patiently for her turn.”
Salah, already aware of Aroob’s fundraising work, signed her shirt and gave her a big hug.
“He told her she was an inspiration which meant a lot to her.
“He also told her that she had a beautiful smile.”
Liverpool FC hosts these exclusive visits for just five children a month.
Aroob and the other children spent two hours with the players, including a tour of the Anfield training grounds, ensuring the experience felt personal.
“It’s something very special that Liverpool does,” her Dad said.
“Encouragement like this for her work keeps her going and shows that her work is having an impact. It also encourages others with special educational needs to continue their dreams and shows that they can be achieved.
“Sometimes it feels like able-bodied children are the only ones celebrated. Aroob is a sort of role model to those like her, showing they can be confident and excel.”
Aroob’s dedication has also been recognised beyond football.
She recently visited Parliament to speak to MPs about her work and won the ‘helping others’ Sheffield Youth Award for her efforts, with a runner up place in the ‘culture and heritage award’.