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Arsenal and England football star Jack Wilshere has told how having children at an early age has inspired him to “do anything he can” to help young people suffering from serious illnesses.

The 23-year-old, who has a son Archie, three, and daughter Delilah, one, with partner Lauren Neal, was speaking as he was announced as the new ambassador Muscular Dystrophy UK.

The organisation funds pioneering research and offers support for people with the muscle-wasting condition and their families.

This week he met a number of children and young adults affected by various forms of muscular dystrophy for a football coaching session.

Wilshere said: “I had children quite young and it makes you grow up. It makes you value life. I want to do anything I can do to help others.”

After learning that he was the favourite player of Duchenne muscular dystrophy sufferer Archie Hill, 10, Wilshere met the family and decided to get involved with the charity.

Muscle-wasting conditions affect 70,000 children and adults in the UK.