Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) and Arsene Wenger. Arsenal Officially Open the Lung Function Unit at Great Ormonde Street Hospital. London, 8/11/12. Credit : Arsenal Football Club / David Price.

Arsenal stars open pioneering new unit at Great Omond Street

Aimee Brannen Tuesday, November 20, 2012
11:31 AM

Jack Wilshere and Carl Jenkinson were joined by Gunners boss Arsène Wenger for the launch.

Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal) and Arsene Wenger. Arsenal Officially Open the Lung Function Unit at Great Ormonde Street Hospital. London, 8/11/12. Credit : Arsenal Football Club / David Price.

Arsenal stars Jack Wilshere and Carl Jenkinson opened a new state-of-the-art lung function unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The players, joined by boss Arsène Wenger, met patients and took a tour of the new facility for children with respiratory problems which was built with more than £800,000 raised by the Gunners during their 2009/2010 season.

Each year the club dedicates a Premier League matchday to charity, with players donating a day’s wages to The Arsenal Foundation.

Speaking about the opening, Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, said: “Everyone at Arsenal should feel incredibly proud that their generosity has helped to create such a wonderful new unit, which will help thousands of young children visiting Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) and Arsene Wenger. Arsenal Officially Open the Lung Function Unit at Great Ormonde Street Hospital. London, 8/11/12. Credit : Arsenal Football Club / David Price.

“This facility highlights the power that a football club can play in its local community and with our dedicated matchday on the horizon once again, I would encourage all supporters to continue showing their support as it really does make a difference.”

Paul Aurora said: “Before the Arsenal partnership, the facilities within the Lung Function Unit badly needed updating. The amazing generosity of the Arsenal players, staff and supporters has enabled us to create this fantastic new department that will be used by patients from small babies right up to teenagers. We are so grateful to everyone at Arsenal Football Club for their support.”

This year’s fundraising matchday takes place on December 8, against West Brom.