Theo Walcott sends touching letter to parents following the death of the young son they had named after the Arsenal man

• e-mail

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has sent a touching letter to the parents of a young boy who recently passed away.

Walcott wrote to Edward Herdman and his partner Emma, who live in Texas, to offer his sympathies after their young son Theo recently passed away.

The Arsenal player, himself a father of two, was touched to learn the parents had named their son after him, and was quick to offer condolences both from himself and the club as a whole.

Theo Walcott, right, has contacted the family of a young boy who recently passed away 

Walcott's letter read: "Dear Emma and Edward, it was with great sadness that we learned recently of the passing of your baby son Theo. 

"On behalf of us all at Arsenal Football Club, we extend to you our very sincere condolences. As a father of two young children myself, I cannot begin to imagine how you both must be feeling at this time.

"My heart goes out to you and everyone close to you.

"I know that the feelings you have for Theo will stay with you all forever, and be proud that you are loving parents to this most wonderful child.

Walcott is a father of two himself and reached out to offer his sympathies

"I feel very honoured to learn that I had an influence in you naming your son Theo. This is very touching for me. My thoughts are with you both.

"Stay strong and remain very proud of yourselves. I am in utter admiration of you both.

"With very best wishes, Theo Walcott."

Mr Herdman posted an image of Walcott's letter to Twitter, thanking the Arsenal player for his gesture, with the post retweeted 1,500 times and liked by 3,500 people at the time of writing. 

He described both Walcott and the Gunners as 'class' with those responding to the tweet in full agreement.