Wishes come true for brave Lucas with the Blades

8th November 2017

Sheffield United has shown its support for local Dronfield youngster who has been having ongoing treatment for Leukaemia.

Lucas Jarvis-Holmes, age five, was treated to a tour of the clubs Bramall Lane stadium and joined by members of the Under 23 squad for a photo opportunity, before watching the first team train. The day was made possible by 'FreeKicks Foundation', a charity whose aim is to provide football-related activities for ill, bereaved and disadvantaged children, to give them a day to remember with their favourite football club. As well as watching the first team squad train, Lucas had the opportunity to meet his favourite player Billy Sharp, along with the rest of the team. The players went on to personalise his Blades shirt with their signatures. Captain of the Blades, Billy Sharp, said: -It was a pleasure to meet Lucas. What a brave lad. -It makes you realise that you can be positive even if things are really tough. I enjoyed spending time with him and I am glad I was able to help him fulfil one of his wishes. Lucas was accompanied by mum, Louisa from Dronfield, who contacted FreeKicks Foundation to set up the day. Louisa said: -The day was wonderful; the football team were amazing and made Lucas feel so special, they were completely on his level. -As soon as we got into the car Lucas turned around to me and said, 'Mummy look how many signatures I have on my shirt!'. This is definitely something he will always treasure. Sam Downing, Co-ordinator of FreeKicks Foundation, said: -The children we have worked with at Sheffield United have all been receiving treatments for cancer and have all been so brave and inspirational. -Originally, we wanted to arrange Lucas to be a mascot for Sheffield United as we have done previously for other children, but this was not possible. -We spoke with Billy Sharp when the Blades played Peterborough last season who put us in contact with the right people to make this day possible and special for Lucas. -All we aim to do is to give children and their families a day where they can temporarily forget real life, and just enjoy their passion football. FreeKicks Foundation, based in Peterborough, has over the past ten years donated days out to over 750 children to visit football stadiums giving them opportunities to meet their idol. For more information about FreeKicks Foundation visit: http://www.freekicksfoundation.org/ or follow them on Twitter and Facebook: @FreeKicks