Thousands of football fans in England will be made aware of the plight of Bermudian Brian Rowlinson when a 'Get Well Soon Banner' will be displayed at the English Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 4.

A diehard Gunners fan, Rowlinson continues to be treated in a Johannesburg hospital after suffering a serious illness while holidaying in South Africa last June.

The former Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and former Director of Planning witnessed the banner himself and was presented with a copy of the front page of The Royal Gazette, published earlier this month, when dozens of friends, colleagues and members of the South African World Rugby Classic were pictured holding up the banner at both Riddell's Bay and Belmont golf clubs.

It was also displayed at the World Rugby Classic final.

Since then, Eugene Marx, manager of the Classic South African team has visited Rowlinson in hospital, handing over get well photos and gifts sent from friends in Bermuda.

It's hoped Rowlinson will be able to pick out the banner when he watches the Arsenal-Fulham match on TV.

David Mutch, who helped organise the group photos sent to Rowlinson, and Reg Webb, based in London and an old friend, will be at the game hoping to get the banner displayed in a prominent spot.

Of his visit to Rowlinson in hospital, Marx said: "He was very happy to see me and also thankful for the good wishes and effort to bring the picture to him. He was very happy to see the people of Bermuda wishing him a good recovery so that he can return to Bermuda.

"I also had the front page with me of the The Royal Gazette with the golf day picture of all the players wishing him well.

"He knew about the picture that was taken and could not believe it made the front page. He is in rehab at the moment but it could be some time before he is fully recovered to return to Bermuda.

"It seems like he is doing well, I had a good conversation with him and he was disappointed that we lost in the (Classic) final, but happy we made the final."