A meeting with Blades Manager Chris Wilder at a charity football event resulted in a special invite for Joe Bowers to visit the Sheffield United training ground.
Joe had recently won the ‘Youth of Courage Award’ at the Spirit of Fire Awards following a nomination by firefighters in South Yorkshire.
Joe now 19 was badly burnt in a fire when he was just 3. The fire unfortunately took the life of his mum. Over the years Joe has had numerous operations and still suffers from the consequences of that terrible day. He remains cheerful and enjoys playing frame football as well as watching.
Joe and his father Phil came to the training ground where they were able to look around the facility as well as watch first team training. They were then able to have lunch with staff and players. Joe was also presented with a sign ball to mark the occasion.
Joe said ‘The visit made my day especially as it was just before my birthday. It was great to just be accepted as a normal teenager.’
Phil added ‘I cannot thank the Manager and players enough for the opportunity to visit the training ground. We had a memorable day. We had a great time and as a family we were really touched by the care shown to us by those we met on the day.’
‘It was a pleasure to meet Joe and his dad. The players are great at supporting visits to the training ground and were very happy to chat to Joe and make sure his day was special. Supporting our designated charities and other local charities is very important to us and it is lovely when we can give someone a very special day’ commented Sue Beeley, Player Liaison Officer.
.jpg)
