Holly Willoughby breaks down in tears while talking to inspirational guest on This Morning

Holly Willoughby

Holly Willoughby was left fighting back tears after she and her co-host, Phillip Schofield, welcomed an inspiring guest on to the set of This Morning.

10-year-old Declan, who has been registered as blind, came on to the show to discuss his love of football, and his determination to prevent his condition from getting in the way of him playing.

The vibrant guest spoke on the show of how he regularly plays blind football, which sees each competitor wear a mask and follow the sound of a ball that rings.

In March 2015, Declan was diagnosed with tonsillitis and prescribed the antibiotic amoxicillin, but had a severe allergic reaction which left him in intensive care for three weeks.

See more

The young boy was then diagnosed with Steven-Johnson syndrome, a very rare skin condition which affects the tongue, eyes and causes the skin of sufferers to shed. In Declan's case, the condition has left him blind.

As an adorable surprise for Declan, Phillip revealed that they had a present for him: the opportunity to act as a mascot when England take on the Czech Republic next month.

Declan's face lit up as he heard the news that he would be able to walk side-by-side with the England team in front of 90,000 fans.

Read more: Holly Willoughby left close to tears by sweet text message from Phillip Schofield

It was Holly, however, who had a particularly emotional reaction to the surprise, as she started crying whilst watching Declan receive his gift.

The presenter sweetly stated: 'It was his little face as he was getting the surprise'

Image: ITV

Many viewers have rushed to Twitter to share their own responses to the gift, with one user writing: 'What an amazing young man. So full of courage and an inspiration to us all.'

See more

Another viewer very sweetly shared the reaction from their household: 'Oh my goodness... what a truly inspirational young man & amazing family. Not a dry eye in the house here... truly humbled & out life back into perspective. The world is your oyster Declan!!! Amazing young man!!'

See more

What do you make of little Declan's surprise? Head to our Facebook page to share your thoughts!

Freelance Lifestyle Writer

Niamh McCollum is a freelance lifestyle writer who has written for Future titles GoodTo and Marie Claire UK, plus the Irish Independent. The Dublin-based journalist specialises in stories 

affecting families - from health updates, to the freshest parenting debates and celebrity announcements.