On-loan striker gives brave fan an afternoon to remember
THERE is little doubt that Romelu Lukaku made a lasting impression at The Hawthorns during his goal-laden season-long loan spell from Chelsea.
But there is one young fan, possibly above all, that the Belgium international left an indelible mark upon.
Ten-year-old Dorian Therain’s dream to watch Lukaku in action at The Hawthorns came true when the Baggies entertained Wigan last month – thanks to 'Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK'.
Dorian, who lives in Belgium, suffers from muscle-wasting disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and has lost the ability to walk. Subsequently, he spends hours watching football on TV – particularly his favourite team, Albion.
As part of Make-A-Wish’s mandate to ‘grant magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions’, the charity joined forces with the club to enable Dorian to attend a Baggies match and meet his idol.
Make-A-Wish flew Dorian and dad David over from Belgium and they traveled to The Hawthorns via limousine.
After the game, Dorian’s big moment arrived when Romelu emerged from the players’ tunnel to meet him – and hand over his match boots and a signed ball.
Make-A-Wish’s Head of Wishgranting, Joanne Micklewright, whose team of expert wishgranters worked with the club to organise Dorian’s special day, said: “Dorian had an absolutely fantastic time and couldn’t stop smiling. He was delighted with the gifts Romelu gave him.
“There are currently 20,000 children and young people in the UK fighting a life-threatening condition and this year Make-A-Wish will grant over 1,100 wishes.
“The charity needs to raise £7million in 2013 to achieve this and receives no government funding or lottery grants – so every donation really does count.”
For further information about Make-A-Wish, click here.