Brave Man Utd fan Anderson Pollard shows off footie skills after giving cancer the boot
MAN United fan Anderson Pollard shows off his skills on the pitch after giving cancer the boot.
The eight-year-old was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of the disease called Burkitt lymphoma at the start of last year.
He had more than ten tumours in his stomach and needed four months of chemotherapy.
But he kept his spirits up during treatment by wearing his favourite kits and by visiting the Premier League side’s Old Trafford stadium, where he met winger Alejandro Garnacho.
Anderson was declared cancer free a year ago and earlier this year joined his local junior football team, playing his first match in June.
Dad Sam, 35, of Redditch, Worcestershire, with partner Debbie Bath, 43, said: “He was thrilled to be on the pitch. It was his dream come true.
“When we were told it was cancer, we were just in total shock – you just don’t think it will ever happen to you.
“It was devastating and we feared the worst.”
Sam, of Redditch, Worcs, who was supported by charity the Ben Saunders Foundation, said: “It was his dream to beat cancer and join a team and he’s done it.
“He’s always been football-mad and it really helped him through.”
Along with Alejandro Garnacho, Anderson also had visits from many more of his idols – including United heroes Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King and Kieran Dyer – to aid him on his recovery.