Ipswich Town superfan George Woodward had the experience of a lifetime after being invited to meet his heroes and watch them train.
The 13-year-old and his family braved pouring rain to see the squad put through their paces at the club’s base in Playford Road.
They met Blues manager Kieran McKenna, captain Dara O’Shea and favourite players Azor Matusiwa and Cédric Kipré.
The visit was organised as George receives care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) – the dedicated charity partner for Saturday’s Championship fixture against Preston North End, at Portman Road.
He has Spinal Muscular Atrophy – a genetic condition causing progressive muscle weakness – and was diagnosed at 22 months.
“We had such an amazing morning and can’t thank the club enough,” said mum Laura, who joined George along with his dad, Lee, and sister, Ivy, 11.
“Kieran and the players couldn’t have been friendlier or more welcoming, and it was such a special and unique experience for us all.
“George adores the club – it’s such a massive part of his life – and he loved every moment of our special morning.
“Despite the torrential rain and freezing wind, he was determined to stay out there as long as possible. There was no way he was going to miss a minute of their training session!
“Our thanks also go to everyone at EACH. The Treehouse is a special place for us, and we’re so grateful to the team there for the part they played in making this possible.”
George and his family have been receiving care and support since he was two. He particularly loves using the hydrotherapy pool, and he and his family are regulars at many hospice events.
Ivy, meanwhile, enjoys attending special sibling days during school holidays, especially for those who are bereaved or have brothers and sisters receiving care.
Both George and Ivy are students at Ipswich’s Westbourne Academy and Town Chairman Mark Ashton said he was delighted to hear about their trip to Playford Road.
“Our ongoing relationship with EACH is something we’re all incredibly proud of, given the important support they’re able to provide so many young people and their families in our area,” he said.
“The opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds through our dedicated matchday is something we’re incredibly privileged to be able to do and we hope supporters are able to contribute to such an important cause.”
Anna Bruce and Billie Nugent, EACH’s Senior Corporate Fundraisers for Suffolk, manage the charity’s relationship with Town.
“We couldn’t be more thankful for this partnership,” said Anna.
“In addition to creating magical moments for children and young people like George, the club’s ongoing support helps amplify our work, elevate our voice and extend our reach – giving us an opportunity to tell more people about our vital work.”
After watching training, George and his family stayed for lunch and have been treated to hospitality tickets for Saturday’s match – before which, Town’s players will be wearing branded warm-up tops bearing the EACH logo.
There will also be bucket collections around the ground and in the hospitality areas, while EACH mascot ECHO! will be on hand to meet young supporters in the FanZone.
