Brave pupil’s dream day with his United heroes

Louis Crowson, 12, of Red Rose School, North Promenade, spoke to superstar players such as Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Ander Herrara on Monday.

It was part of a Manchester United ‘Dream Day’, organised for children and adults living with illnesses and diseases.

The club invites a select number of fans and their families to spend the day at the club’s training complex in Carrington.

Louis, a lifelong United supporter, got the chance to watch the team train, meet players and tour the club’s museum and ground.

Suzanne Clague, Louis’s mum said: “It was absolutely amazing, to see how happy Louis was makes it all worth it.

“You can forget all your troubles and hospital appointments and stay in your own positive bubble for the day.”

The St Annes pupil suffers from Neurofibromatosis type one (NF-1) which affects the gene which divides cells in the body.

Back in November 2012, Louis underwent three operations in just 10 days on a number of masses on his brain at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

The condition means he gets tired quickly and he has only just returned back to school at Red Rose School, North Promenade, in St Annes.

Louis added: “It was a really good day, it was the best day of my life.”

Suzanne added her delight about how nice and generous all the players were with their time. She said: “There was never any rush with Louis, each and everyone took the time to ask how he was and made sure to sign his shirt, boots and gloves.

“They were all so nice, attentive and down to earth, I was bowled over about how genuine each and every player was.”

Geraldine McKiernan, charity relationship executive for the Manchester United Foundation, said: “It was a fantastic day and the players have created some very special memories for these fans that will never be forgotten.”