Richard's dream Melwood visit
A passionate Liverpool fan, who suffers from Huntington's disease, was treated to a special tour of Melwood where he spent time in the company of some of his Reds idols.
Richard Black, from Omagh in County Tyrone, made the trip to the club's training base thanks to the charity HoneyRose Foundation, who grant wishes for people that are dealing with illness.
Accompanied by his nurse Jane Laird and her husband Brian, the 46-year-old had barely enough time to take in his Melwood surroundings when his favourite player Steven Gerrard arrived to greet him.
One by one, other members of the Reds' squad dropped by for a photo and a chat before manager Brendan Rodgers appeared in the room.
"Brendan Rodgers, a true gentleman, treated Richard and I as if he had known us all his life," explained Jane. "Things couldn't have been better, and then, before we knew it we were sitting in Brendan's office overlooking the training ground.
"After all this had sunk in, we were taken to the outdoor balcony to have coffee and biscuits whilst watching the team train."
Luis Suarez and Pepe Reina made their way over to talk with Richard before he departed Melwood in the direction of Anfield, where he was treated to a tour of the stadium and a meal in the club's Boot Room Cafe.
"Richard was able to walk around the team's changing room and experience the thrill of walking down the steps towards the pitch," continued Jane. "Our tour guide John then took us towards the shop as Richard was very keen to purchase a Liverpool watch - which he did.
"We were then taken to the Boot Room where we were provided with a delicious meal and afterwards, Richard had the privilege of having his photograph taken with the European cup.
"He thoroughly enjoyed his trip to Liverpool and he is always talking about his Melwood adventure to any person who visits or works with him.
"He has his signed flag on his bedroom wall and photographs galore. He wears his signed cap every day and continues to watch and support Liverpool.
"We would like to thank everyone at the club for their kind generosity, including Beverley Roberts and her team, John our tour guide and Carol the lady who made us great cups of coffee.
"Richard will never walk alone ever again with the memories captured by the best football team in the world, Liverpool. He is missing everyone there and would like to say a big thank you for making his trip possible."
For more information about the HoneyRose Foundation, visit the website>>
