Barcelona is the goal for United fan Zach
TERMINALLY-ILL 12-YEAR-OLD’S FAMILY PLAN ROAD TRIP TO NOU CAMP
A TERMINALLY-ill United fan is determined to make his own venture into Europe a success.
While Jose Mourinho’s team are one step away from the Europa League final in Sweden, football-obsessed Zach Simpson, aged 12, has his sights set on the Nou Camp, home of Barcelona.
His family, from Salford, are hoping to raise £5,000 for a road trip which will take in football stadiums en route.
They have started a crowdfunding appeal and have so far raised just under £1,000.
Zach, from Cadishead, has been in a wheelchair since he was eight. He has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathy (heart disease) and scoliosis (curve of the spine) and is currently waiting on a decision about major surgery on his back.
His mum Amanda said: “Zach’s one passion in life is football. He is a massive Manchester United fan, but will watch any football, especially French and Spanish.
“We are raising money to take him on a once-in-a-lifetime road trip from the UK to Barcelona.
“It is a three-week road trip staying at campsites and hotels along the way. “We will be visiting a number of football stadiums in France and a number of tourist attractions including The Millau Viaduct before crossing the boarder to Spain to visit the Nou Camp – somewhere he really wants to visit. “It’s a trip he really wants to do and will be blogging it from start to finish for people who donate and help us make Zach’s dream come true.”
Zach will be on the road with his mum, sisters Jessica, 14, and Keira 11, and dad David.
They intend to visit the Stade de France, the home of the French national team, just north of Paris, plus the grounds of Lyon and Toulouse as well as Barca.
Amanda, who will be the driver for the trip, said: “We have interest from people who want to join us in a convoy – five people so far – as well as donations.”
The family plan to leave at the end of July next year for the three-week journey.
Anyone who would like to help can donate via justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Zach-Road-ToBarcelona
We are raising money to take him on a oncein-a-lifetime road trip from the UK to Barcelona
Zach’s mum