LFC Foundation makes dream come true for young Red
Young Liverpool fanatic Aaron Browne had the day of his life recently when the Liverpool FC Foundation arranged a very special visit to Melwood and the opportunity to meet Jürgen Klopp and the first-team squad.
The trip all came about thanks to Aaron’s uncle, who had posted an article on social media about his nephew’s love of the Reds and his desire to meet a player and watch a game.
He told of Aaron’s disability, describing how he had a kidney donated from his mum Arlene to enable him to survive, and also had to endure some painful operations.
This was seen by a committee member of the Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association (LDSA), who approached the LFC Foundation about helping Aaron achieve his dream.
The visit to Anfield to watch a game was arranged with the help and kindness of the LFC branch of Dromore Supporters Club in Northern Ireland.
Reflecting on the trip to Melwood, Aaron’s dad Stephen Browne said: “It was Aaron’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of meeting the Liverpool players.
“His face lit up when he was told he was going to meet his idols, he really is Liverpool-mad. I don’t know where he gets it from!
“We headed over to Liverpool on the previous evening, Aaron barely slept with the excitement that night, although there was no problem getting him up for once the next morning.
“We arrived at Melwood, where his dream became reality, he could not believe he was having photos taken with his heroes, and chatting to the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Lucas and Simon Mignolet.
“Kolo Toure, Christian Benteke, Dejan Lovren and many more also stopped by before training to say hello, and the whole squad signed a shirt too!
“Then to put the top hat on the morning, Klopp arrived to greet Aaron as my son’s chin nearly hit the floor!”
Stephen admitted he couldn’t thank Klopp and the club enough for making his son a very happy young man and the envy of all of his friends.
He added: “Everybody was lovely and so friendly and they made a young man very happy. One of the highlights of the day was watching the players train. Aaron couldn’t quite believe it that he was finally here, witnessing a training session and speaking to most of the squad.
“It was a pleasure to see Aaron’s face light up when he saw the players up close and personal.
“To top off a perfect day, we were then taken to Anfield for a tour of the stadium and a guided tour of the museum by our kind host John.
“Aaron had a wonderful time and he is still trying to take it in that he has actually met the Liverpool team!
“We as a family would like to thank the LDSA, and especially Steve Evans for forwarding Aaron’s name to the Liverpool FC Foundation. It made our son very happy.”