Toon fan meets football idol Alan Pardew
Newcastle United fan Ryan, 15, was born prematurely with Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula (an abnormal connection between the oesophagus and the trachea). We recently granted his wish to meet his idol – Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew.
Ryan’s first surprise was a visit from Alan to his home in Dudley. Ryan’s Mum, Amanda, said: “His face was a picture when Alan arrived. Ryan asked hundreds of questions and told jokes. Alan was lovely, he gave Ryan his personal training shirt and even signed it for him.” The next day Ryan was given a tour of Newcastle United’s training ground and was able to have lunch with Alan and a few players, before being given Tim Krul’s signed goalie gloves and a huge bag of goodies. Then it was on to the Newcastle United versus Queens Park Rangers match where he sat in the directors’ box and got to meet the Toon chairman and coaches.
Amanda said: “The look on Ryan's face throughout the weekend was absolutely priceless, especially following his recent surgery in November.”
Ryan has had to undergo many operations over the past 15 years, including a full gastrectomy and surgery to treat a Diaphragmatic Hernia. He also has Epilepsy, has been left deaf after contracting Meningitis and for the past four years he has been fed intravenously.
