Captain America star ‘inspired’ by Great Ormond Street kids

The Iron Man star visited children and young people at the hospital

Published 26th Apr 2016

Iron Man star Robert Downey Junior says he was ‘inspired’ to meet young people and children at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital.

He spent Monday afternoon on the cancer ward at the hospital handing out Captain America merchandise ahead of the film's premiere.

(Robert Downey Jr with Chloe Bowers, Credit: PA Images)

One of the people he visited was seven-year-old Ethan Miller, who suffers from the rare blood disease ITP, as well as type 1 diabetes.

His father said Ethan was ‘over the moon to meet his hero’ as the young fan posed in his Iron Man costume with the Hollywood actor.

He added: "Ethan has been in and out of hospital a lot in the past three years. He watches the films all the time and virtually lives in his Iron Man costume. It has really helped to lift his spirits”.

(Robert Downey Jr and Ethan Miller. Credit: PA Images)

The visit was organised by Disney, which has worked with the hospital’s charity since 2008.

It wasn't just the fans who were left in awe as the Iron Man star confessed the trip was the ‘highlight’ of the Captain America tour, saying "Their courage, strength and hope leaves me humbly inspired."

(Robert Downey Jr and seven-yaer-old Michael. Credit: PA Images)

The 51-year-old has played Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, since 2008 and will clash against Captain America in his new film.

Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner and other stars are expected to walk the red carpet at the London premiere ahead of its release this Friday.

Watch the trailer for Captain America: Civil War below.