Burnley Football Club has invited an elderly supporter from Southport, who is suffering from Parkinson’s, to be a special guest at the club.
The supporter placed an advert in the Southport and Formby Champion newspaper last week, asking for help to get to and from games.
The advert was subsequently shared through the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group, where it has reached nearly 16,000 people and has been shared 81 times.
The appeal has also been shared over 30,000 times via Twitter.
The advert says: “Burnley FC: OAP season ticket holder in Southport looking for lift from Southport to and from the Clarets home games.
“Prepared to change seats in ground to accommodate this.
“I have early stage Parkinson’s.”
People were asked to reply via PO Box KS/07/22, Champion Newspaper, Clare House, 166 Lord Street, Southport, PR9 OQA.
Burnley Chairman Alan Pace has now invited the mystery Burnley fan to be his VIP guest at Turf Moor.
He said: ‘We are working to identify the fan who made the appeal and as soon as we have their details I would like to invite them to the boardroom before our next home game.
“Our fans are the lifeblood of our club and our community, and we will do everything we can to help our supporters during difficult moments.
“It’s a small gesture, but we would be delighted to welcome them to Turf Moor to be a guest of the club as soon as possible.”
Burnley are also offering to pick up the fan’s travel costs for the remaining games.
A local supporter has already agreed to pay for that.
The appeal has seen a heart-warming response on Stand Up For Southport’s Facebook group.
Nicola KD said: “Oh this makes my heart melt. I feel like becoming a Burnley fan just so I can take him/her!”
Andrew Standeven said: “A friend of mine is a Burnley fan, she’s going to share this amongst the Twitter followers as well.”
Karen Simms said: “He has had a few messages, there are some caring, generous people out there!”
Hettie Taberner said: “Burnley fan here!
“This is all over Clarets based social media and David Fishwick has apparently offered to pay for someone to take him, as well as a lot of other offers to help… there are a lot of great people in this world.”
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