The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Footie fan Finlay books very special meeting
Mearns youngster’s joy as he meets his favourite author and an ex-Scotland boss
A Stonehaven schoolboy with cerebral palsy has met his favourite children’s author after touching the heart of former Scotland manager Craig Brown.
Finlay Sangster has been inspired to read through the Jamie Johnson series, a collection of books about football written by Dan Freedman which have been shown on the BBC, with the support from Mill O’ Forest Primary School in the town.
His mother Gail, a teacher, said the 12-year-old has issues with his eye muscles so scanning pages and keeping track of what he is reading can be incredibly hard and tiring for him.
She said: “He thoroughly enjoys reading but accessing books can also be a challenge, as he needs help to turn the pages and hold a book in a good position.
“The school have been incredibly supportive of Finlay from day one. He has been fully included in all aspects of school life.
“He is very lucky to have had two amazing pupil support assistants throughout his seven years at Mill O’ Forest, who can read him like a book; they know when he is a bit under the weather and know exactly how to support him when things are a wee bit much for him.”
Gail praised head teacher Trish Marchant and his class teachers for removing barriers to Finlay’s learning and ensuring he is always an integral part of the school community.
Rangers FC fan Finlay was given the first of Dan’s books as a present and quickly became a devotee.
Author Dan said: “It is not an overstatement to say it makes all the hard work of writing the books worth it.
“To know that Finlay is enjoying the books is hugely rewarding and inspirational.”
Finlay’s story inspired ex-Scotland and Aberdeen FC manager Craig Brown – a former teacher – to arrange for him to meet Dan in the perfect setting.
Craig’s daughter is a teacher at an Ayrshire school and uses Dan’s books to encourage children who are struggling with reading.
Craig was sent a letter by Dan about Finlay and his enjoyment of the books so he decided to arrange to meet them both.
Craig said: “I have been incredibly moved by Finlay’s story and wanted to do something to help.
“Finlay is a passionate football fan and loves to read so I thought I could combine his pleasures by inviting him to Pittodrie Stadium so he could meet Dan and me.
“I hope this special event makes one boy who has overcome a great deal very happy.”
Councillor Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s education and children’s services committee chairwoman, said: “Finlay’s story is truly heartwarming and inspirational.
“It is fantastic to see high-profile figures from the world of sport and children’s literature have taken an interest in Finlay, and Dan’s books have provided him with so much pleasure.”
Ihavebeen incredibly moved by Finlay’s story and wanted to do something to help. CRAIG BROWN