Palyers from Oldham Athletic Football Club dropped into Derian House Children’s Hospice today (9 February) to surprise a brave little boy and his family.
Four-year-old Tommy Squibbs, of Rochdale, has leukaemia and has been staying at the hospice to make memories with dad Dan, mum Charlotte, and brothers Louie, 10, and Reggie, nine – all huge Oldham Athletic fans.
First team players Harrison McGahey, Mark Shelton, Ethan Walker – as well as mascot Chaddy the Owl – visited the hospice to surprise Tommy with a special ‘Goal of the Month’ award after he scored in front of thousands of cheering fans at the club’s FA Cup match against Hendon FC in January.
The players also handed out special medals to Tommy and his brothers for being team mascots at the same game, where Tommy was carried onto the pitch by Oldham captain Liam Hogan.
“For the players to take time out to come and surprise us means the world,” said Dan Squibbs, Tommy’s dad.
“We’re just trying to have as many special days as we can. The boys had no idea they was coming so it was a huge surprise. Tommy loved meeting Chaddy the Owl. We can’t thank the club enough for everything they have done for us in the past few months.
“The boys had the chance to walk hand in hand with their heroes as mascots at the FA cup match, and Tommy was carried by the team captain. The club sat us in a box for the day, which was fantastic – all the team have been incredible with our family. We never expected anything like it, it is lovely that they took the time out to come and see us at Derian House. The boys loved it, Tommy loved it, and that’s all that matters.”
During his time at Derian House, Tommy has enjoyed swimming in the hydrotherapy pool, relaxing in the sensory room, and baking tasty treats in the kitchen.
“Derian House is brilliant, they are making sure that every day here is lovely for Tommy and that we can make loads of memories as a family,” continued Dan.
“They’ve even organised a trip to one of their holiday lodges at Ribby Hall next week, so we can have a little holiday together. We just want to spend as much time together as we can.”
Catherine Randall, Clinical Director (Chief Nurse) at Derian House, said: “We are so grateful to the Oldham Athletic team for taking time out to present Tommy with his very own award – he is absolutely over the moon. For families like Tommy’s, making memories like this are so important.
“The club have put smiles on everyone’s faces. From everyone here, we’d like to say a huge thank you.”
09 Feb
