The Day That Dreams Came True - Football Stars Grant a Wish

A group of Manchester United fans who suffer with serious and life-limiting illnesses were given the opportunity to meet their football heroes at the Manchester United first team training facilities in Carrington on Thursday 28th February. 

The special guests were invited to one of Manchester United Foundation’s Dream Days, which are held twice a year at Carrington.  The day was a dream come true for the group (aged between 8 and 45), many of whom have to deal with intense pain and discomfort on a daily basis. 

The day was organised in association with ‘wish’ charities: The Willow Foundation, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity and Dreams Come True.  These charities specialise in granting wishes to seriously and terminally ill children and adults. 

Since the first team began training at Carrington in 2000 there have been over 20 Dream Days, with many more families benefiting.  A typical Dream Day will involve the guests and a family member or carer being invited to Carrington to watch a first team training session.  Following this they have lunch and meet the players.  The fans then have the option of going on to Old Trafford for a museum and stadium tour. 

Corey, aged ten, who suffers from Spinal Muscular Actophy Type II said: “It has been brilliant!”  Whilst his Dad said: “He’s in awe, I’ve never seen him so quiet. He has loved it!”

Geraldine McKiernan, Charity Relationship Executive organises the days for the Foundation, she said:  “Watching the first team train and meeting the players is a special treat that is only reserved for invited guests.  We try to make this a really special day for everyone involved because we know what it means to them.”