The moment Manchester United’s lifelong fan Paddy Lawler was waiting for his entire life came just 45 minutes before he succumbed to cancer.
The 73-year-old had stated his desire was to meet a few of his favourite club's players before he passed on and Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young and Timothy Fosu-Mensah made that dream a reality.
Earlier, Paddy’s granddaughter Kayleigh, 27, had made an impassioned plea on social media hoping that someone would take heed and make her grandfather’s dreams come true.
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The Facebook post received over 1000 shares and ultimately captured the attention of United winger Jesse Lingard's cousin’s attention. Three days on and the 4 players visited Paddy at his home following which he lost his battle with prostate cancer within an hour.
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Kayleigh meanwhile, is extremely grateful to the football players. “Top lads, all four of them. Thanks so much to everyone who helped. Sure my grandad's over the moon," she posted on Facebook.
“Grandad was a massive Manchester United fan and the visit meant the world to him. I asked him off the cuff about what his dying wish would be and he said he would like to meet some United players.”
“We couldn’t believe they took the time to make a dying man’s wish come true. They were here for half an hour and were more than happy to take as many photos and sign as many shirts as we wanted,” she added.
Kayleigh’s original Facebook post read, "Please can everyone share I'm trying to get a few of Manchester United players to come and visit my grandad we asked him the other day if he would like to do anything before his time comes and he said to meet the team I've emailed the MUFC foundation but no reply yet!”
"And not sure how long we have left with him so I want to get this as a surprise he's a MASSIVE fan even tried his hardest to keep his eyes open yesterday to watch the match but sadly he missed it!”
"I know he will be so gutted that he didn't watch it I'm sure he will be a very happy man If I can get his last wish”
"Thankyou to u all Xxx"
According to Paddy’s family, the 73-year-old battled on just long enough for his dream to come true.
Paddy was a Manchester United fan for over 50 years and according to his wife Eunice, his favourite players were Ryan Giggs and George Best.
