Rochdale Football Club make youngster’s dream come true

Naveed Hafeez with his parents Simon Danzuk and Karen Burke

Rochdale Football Club gave a seriously ill little boy a Christmas to remember by making him a guest of honour at their Boxing Day home game against Shrewsbury Town.

Twelve year-old Naveed Hafeez has spent much of the last year in the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital because of serious heart and lung conditions. With doctors recently admitting that they can do nothing else to help him, his parents are determined to try and let him fulfil as many boyhood dreams as possible.

On hearing of Naveed’s condition, Rochdale’s Labour Parliamentary Candidate, Simon Danczuk, contacted Rochdale Football Club and asked if they could let him meet the players before their Boxing Day game. “I was delighted at how the football club responded,” he said. “They were only too pleased to help out. They gave Naveed a VIP directors’ box seat, introduced him to all the players, gave him a goody bag and ice cream, and made him feel like a truly special guest. Naveed had a great day out and was overjoyed that Rochdale scored a late winner to beat Shrewsbury 2-1.”

He added that the club were a “great asset to the town” and their work with children across the Borough deserved greater recognition.

“All the players were true gentlemen and they are fantastic ambassadors for the club,” he said. “Rochdale’s Football in the Community scheme has been running for over 20-years now and their work with youngsters should not be underestimated.”

Naveed’s father, Hafeez, said: “Thanks to everyone who helped organise the visit, we had a great experience. We all enjoyed the game, as well as the Dale fans. Nav had a lovely time, meeting the team was great fun, thanks again.”

Mr Danczuk added that Naveed, who recently met Wayne Rooney at a Christmas Party at Booth Hall Children’s Hospital, had a very special passion for the game. “His enthusiasm was infectious and that’s exactly what you need on a cold winter’s day when you’re cheering on the Dale,” he said. “He’s a real inspiration; a great lad – very chatty and friendly – and I enjoyed spending some of my Christmas with him.”