A dream created for Freddie

We received an email to let us know about Freddie who is 9 years old and absolutely loves football. He is a massive Sheffield Wednesday fan and plays for the Young Owls under 10s.

Freddie has kidney failure and is waiting for a transplant. Until that happens he has dialysis every night for 10 hours plus at home. The fatigue and emotions are often overwhelming but Freddie never gives up.

As soon as we were made aware Freddie is a massive Wednesday fan, we worked with the club to arrange a VIP mascot package for him and his brother Jack and here's how the day panned out:

The day started in the South Stand reception where full kits and walk out jackets were waiting, prior to being taken on a behind the scenes tour of the ground with an access all areas pass including the Director’s entrance, Chairman's lounge, changing room, tunnel area, dug outs - you name it, even Mr Chansiri's seat didn’t escape!

After that it was time to refuel and grab something to eat before the game - The table had a sign saying 'reserved for Freddie - VIP Mascot' which Freddie now says he wants to use as a bookmark at school!

There was then a goody bag containing various things, not least a signed football. Freddie really wanted to play with it in the garden until brother Jack explained that this wasn't just a normal football but one that needed to be kept on a shelf as the signatures are real not fake!

Sam Hutchinson who despite being suspended for the game heard that he was Freddie and Jacks favourite player so turned up to surprise them for photos and agreed to make sure they got one of his shirts!

Then it was back downstairs to meet the players and get ready for the warm-ups before the big event. Dad Phil said "It was an amazing feeling for me as a father to watch my children playing on the same pitch as mine and their idols - a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Kick off then approached and Freddie walked out with captain Barry Bannan, shook hands with the opposition, had his photo taken with both captains and the officials and then had a kick around with the players. Phil went on to say "To see Freddie run around with a massive smile on his face was pure pleasure."

The game then started and Freddie, Jack, Phil and Nannan took their seats in the stand for the game which thankfully ended in a 1-0 victory.

Later that evening Freddie's Mum Nicky said that Freddie described the day as the best day ever and in his own words said he felt normal again before going to bed that evening singing "We've got Bannan".

Dad Phil said that "We didn't expect half as much as happened on the day and whilst the day was designed around Freddie we are so grateful that you involved and made Jack feel special too.

We hope you'll agree that Freddie is well deserving of his special day and we wish him all the best in his in his battle and his recovery - keep fighting little man.