Cancer battling Burnley fan, Hughie Higginson, 13, goes viral in a social media video after being seen in tears while celebrating.
The youngster could be seen crying as he cheered after Manuel Benson scored the only goal of the Championship fixture, in the video which was live by Sky Sports Main Event.
The commentator was heard saying: “Just look what it means to that young supporter.
“That is why we all love football, to feel like that.”
Hughie’s dad, Keiron Higginson, said this moment was made extra special as he has been battling leukaemia since 2020.
Keiron said: “What an amazing night and what a moment. It is just crazy that Hughie and his friend Freddie Xavi were the faces the cameras picked up on.
“Hughie continues to fight the battle of his life as he continues his treatment for leukaemia – but I think you can see just how much this means to him tonight and with Freddie right by his side.
“Burnley FC did us proud.”
UTC! First away derby day for Hughie & Freddie! Let’s hope it’s a good ‘en! Come on @BurnleyOfficial #twitterclarets pic.twitter.com/G2kzBw9Sad
— Hughie & Freddie’s 100km ⚽️🏟 (@sarahronnan) April 25, 2023
Really special to see, not many if anyone who deserve that moment more ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Z4Nk8tj1C1
— David Hynds (@d_hynds) April 25, 2023
Hughie was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) in 2020 and started his urgent treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
But whilst doing that, Hughie and his friend Freddie have raised hundreds of thousands for charity and in 2021, were honoured with a Pride of Britain award for raising more than £200,000 Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity and were announced as Good Morning Britain Young Fundraisers.
They are currently taking part in a running challenge together which sees them touring the UK to run 1km around each of the 92 Premier League and English Football League clubs, raising money for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity as well as other oncology wards around the country.
The young authors have written a book about friendship called ‘Friends Are Amazing’.
To donate to their fundraiser click here.
What a moment! Hughie continues to fight the battle of his life as he Continues his treatment for leukaemia but I think you can see just how much this means to him tonight and with Freddie right by his side ❤️@BurnleyOfficial you did us proud. Football… completed it! pic.twitter.com/fml9SW7S3u
— Keiron Higginson (@monkeykez) April 25, 2023
It’s Hughie’s 13th birthday today, what an incredible day him & Freddie have had celebrating with the @BurnleyOfficial squad! Huge thank you to Ashley Barnes for inviting them to training for a day they’ll never forget, all the players & staff were brilliant & made it so special! pic.twitter.com/33t3I5PuJU
— Hughie & Freddie’s 100km ⚽️🏟 (@sarahronnan) April 27, 2023
The donation page, which has seen £222,443 raised, reads: My 100km challenge that I completed in 2020 has inspired us both to continue fundraising and help even more children that are in hospital and receiving treatment for cancer. Hughie won’t finish treatment until March 2024 however we are going to do our next challenge TOGETHER!! We are going to run 100km around the 92 football pitches in the Premier League and EFL.. to make it up to 100km we’re hoping to run at some other iconic stadiums and events around the UK.
We want to do this challenge to raise funds for every children’s hospital in England and be able to provide slushy drink pouches for children who are having chemotherapy, just like we have already been able to do in Hughie’s ward 86 at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, one of the side effects of chemotherapy is really painful and sore mouths so these drinks really help plus they make your tongue go blue and that’s really cool!
We’ll be opening some new fundraising team pages so you can select your nearest or chosen children’s hospital if you would like to donate that would really mean a lot to us..
Thank you so much for your support, we feel really lucky to be able to do this challenge together!
Hughie & Freddie 🙂
You can follow our challenge on Instagram: @HughieandFreddie
Previous fundraising story:
Hi I’m Freddie, I’m 9 years old and I want to raise money for RMCH because my friend Hughie is being treated for leukaemia on ward 84 to do this I am going to run a junior park run (2km) every day until I reach 100km on Christmas Day which is in about 50 days time!
Hughie is being incredibly brave and has faced it head on without any moaning. He’s had over 50 blood tests, numerous scans and trips to theatre and he’s still smiling and entertaining the staff on Ward 84. Everyone is so proud of his positive attitude and resilience to everything that has been thrown at him, what a superstar!
Keep going Hughie bro, you got this!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, please donate to this very worthy charity!
Twitter users gave their heartfelt reaction as the cancer battling Burnley fan, 13, goes viral in a video after being seen in tears while celebrating…
@brennand_jordan: Raw emotion. Love this video. Fella going through chemo for Leukaemia. What a legend x
@bcfclucy: Imagine not liking football ❤️
@Ewan_Valentine: What it’s all about
@jamie_marr1:
Outstanding young man!!
It’s only Football they say!
Absolutely nonsense, look at that passion 🙌🏻
Never lose it kiddo 💙⚽️
@HuggerV2: Good luck to that lad & his family. Bigger than football 🤍💙💜
@kevinennis1: Wishing you and Hughie all the best, from a lifelong Rovers fan who has had far too much cancer to deal with in his life. Loved to see the passion. Great therapy.
@Dangildert74: Absolute fantastic video is that, keep on fighting Hughie lad 💜💙 Great to see you too last night Kez, some fantastic memories made for everyone.
@Mark_Crossan: Good luck Hughie from a Blackburn fan. We are all behind you
@RoversFor: Everything that little lad is going through puts football into perspective. Seems like a proper little soldier, great he can enjoy things with his family and hope his recovery goes well. Some things go deeper than rivalry , the blue and white side of Lancashire wishes him well 👏
@SubbuteoRover: Spotted this little lad in the highlights. The passion football brings out. A proper fan. All the best for the future Hughie.
@rowanbrfc: Best of luck to the little man, if anyone deserved to witness what he did last night it was him. Speedy recovery 🔵⚪️
@joeheys: I had goosebumps when I saw this on the TV. Buzzing Hughie got to be there for such a special game, good luck to you all, Burnley FC is right behind you ❤️
@USA_UTC: Incredible scene. Let Hughie know he brought a massive smile on the face of a fellow Claret across the pond. Gained a fan and supporter in me as well. UTC! 💪💜
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