The 19-year-old met teenage cancer patients who are being treated on the charity's unit.

Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT), the organisation which focuses on the needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer by providing specialist teenage units in NHS hospitals, is Arsenal's designated Charity of the Season this year. Through the 'Be A Gooner. Be A Giver.' campaign, the Gunners will aim to raise £300,000 to fund an education zone on the TCT's unit within UCH's Day Care Centre for cancer patients which is due to open in 2012.

Walcott met the young patients in the charity's state-of-the-art unit which has been designed to give teenagers the very best chance of a positive outcome. Teenage Cancer Trust's units provide an environment where teenagers receive specialist care and can meet others in a similar situation. At the moment four out of 10 teenagers diagnosed with cancer have access to the dedicated support provided by one of the charity's units. But the Trust's aim is to build enough units so that, by 2012, every teenager will be treated on one.

The visit comes as the club counts down to its dedicated matchday for Teenage Cancer Trust on 21st December at Arsenal's Barclays Premier League match against Liverpool. Players and directors will donate a day's wages on this matchday and the Club will organise a host of festive fundraisers in order to contribute towards reaching the £300,000 target.

Speaking at the event Walcott said: "Arsenal's Charity of the Season this year has special significance for me and for many of the young players still in their teenage years. I met some of the patients at Emirates Stadium at the start of the season and found their strength an inspiration. To go to the hospital today, see the unit and meet some of the patients again puts the charity's work into perspective. I hope we can reach our target and I hope supporters get behind the matchday next month."

Simon Davies, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust added: "We're incredibly grateful to Theo for giving up his time to visit the unit today. Many of the patients who are being treated on the unit at the moment are huge Arsenal fans and are really excited about meeting one of their idols. It is especially significant because Theo is the same age as many of the patients he will meet and I know he will see first-hand the difference it makes to be treated with other young people."

He continued: "Arsenal's support this season will be of great benefit to the many young cancer patients who will be treated at the new day care centre in London each year. We know that, for patients of this age, being able to stay in touch with friends and to continue with education while being treated is extremely important when it comes to psychological wellbeing and future choices."

Arsenal is the first to commit to funding part of Teenage Cancer Trust's unit in the planned Day Care Centre at UCH. The club hopes that other organisations will follow their lead, helping the charity to raise a further £1.2m to complete the development of their unit.

Arsenal will be raising money for TCT's ambitious and innovative project throughout the season through a range of initiatives. As well as encouraging fans to donate and take part in events and challenges including a 10k run around Emirates Stadium, the club will hold its annual end of season fundraising ball in aid of the Trust. A dedicated website has been created so that supporters can follow the partnership at www.beagoonerbeagiver.org.