Young fan’s star role at Old Trafford
AKIND-HEARTED boy got the chance to walk out in front of thousands at the Theatre of Dreams.
United fan John Preston was surprised before the Reds Legends match against Barcelona at Old Trafford on Saturday by his dad, also called John.
The heartwarming moment the 11-year-old was told he was going to be one of the mascots at the game was also caught on video.
John’s priceless reaction was caught on camera by his dad. The youngster couldn’t quite believe what he was being told and kept asking his equally excited dad, ‘is this a joke?.’
Incredible footage then shows the excited fan walking out of the tunnel at Old Trafford with Barcelona’s goalkeeper, Jesús Mariano Angoy Gil.
Even being watched by thousands of people, he still managed a wave to his proud dad in the stands.
This is the first game the pair have been able to get to together so dad, John, wanted to make sure it was one to remember.
The reason for the unexpected treat was because the youngster’s older sister, Aimee, 12, is disabled and has Rett Syndrome – meaning she can’t walk or talk, so he doesn’t get to do a lot of the usual things children do.
John, 45, of Cheadle Hulme, said: “He doesn’t get to do all the things that other families do. We can’t go to the beach. It’s a bit of a mission to get everyone out.
“He never complains, he never asks for anything. And is such a good boy. He is like a big brother to his sister and is really protective of her.
“I just want to make sure the things that we are able to do are that bit more special.
“He absolutely loved it. He just kept saying thank you and how brilliant it was.
“I’ve definitely earned some dad points for this one. But I’m not sure how I’m going top this in the future.”
Russell Feingold, head of fundraising at Manchester United Foundation, said: “Every two years Manchester United Foundation hosts the Legends Are Back game at Old Trafford to raise vital funds for our work with young people in the local community.
“Along with the game we have the rare opportunity to offer mascot places for deserving children across the region.
“John is an incredible young man and selflessly helps his family with the care of his sister Aimee and is an example to us all.
“It was a pleasure to be able to offer him this opportunity and make a dream come true.”
Find out more about the foundation’s work at: www. mufoundation.org.
You can see the heartwarming video at: manchestereveningnews.co.uk