Finn McEwen meets his Everton heroes

Tuesday, 26 September, 2017 8comments  |  Jump to most recent

Nine-year-old Finn McEwen was an extra special guest at Goodison Park on Saturday to witness the 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, the family's first visit since the young Evertonian received the fantastic news that his leukemia is cured.

Blues fans are very familiar with the story of Finn from 2015, when aged just seven, he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome — a rare bone marrow disease which causes a life-threatening drop in the number of healthy blood cells.

In a bid to find Finn a suitable donor, the ‘Find Finn a Match' campaign was launched, encouraging people to get tested and see if they were a match. Finn and his family were invited to USM Finch Farm to meet the team and help raise awareness of the campaign to find a donor.

In June 2015, a match for Finn was found and he spent five weeks in hospital undergoing intense chemotherapy which was then followed by a successful bone marrow transplant.
He had a number of setbacks in the 12 months which followed, and it's been a long and difficult road to recovery, but in September this year Finn was given the all-clear by Manchester Children's Hospital, who informed him his leukemia is cured and he can return to living a normal and healthy life.

Finn and his younger brother Lucas were invited to Goodison Park on Saturday to celebrate his fantastic news and update the players on his journey over the last two years. Finn brought with him his special bag of Courage Beads to show the players ahead of kick-off. Reaching over five metres long, Finn's colourful collection of Courage Beads detail his lengthy battle over the past two years with a bead gained for every treatment or procedure he underwent.

Article continues below video content


After meeting all the players, Finn and Lucas took part in the traditional pre-match warm-up alongside other mascots and at 3pm, came out of the tunnel to the sound of Z-Cars with their favourite players; Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Speaking about his successful fight against leukaemia, Finn said: “It's been hard, tough, rough — whatever you want to call it. But I'm feeling good, better than ever and now I'm here in my kit ready to be a mascot, hopefully I'll bring the team good luck.”

Finn's mum Carole added: “The Finn we've brought to Goodison today is completely different to the little boy who came two years ago. Today he is full of energy whereas last time was a week before his transplant and he was feeling very poorly. Seeing the difference in him is amazing; he's so happy and he's got his confidence back.

Dad, Neil added: “It's been the toughest time of our lives but the Club have given him a lift through very difficult times and given him something to hold onto. Everton have been fantastic throughout Finn's battle and when we posted that Finn was in remession and had been cured, they were the first ones to get in touch to say how happy all the staff were.”

It is believed that as a result of Finn's campaign upwards of 10 people have so far been contacted as matches for others in need, and several have even gone on to be that potentially lifesaving donor. You can sign up to become a donor and help other children like Finn by visiting www.dkms.org.uk

Video © Everton FC

 

Reader Comments (8)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Ken Rushton
1 Posted 26/09/2017 at 20:00:35
Heartwarming.
Dermot Byrne
2 Posted 26/09/2017 at 20:08:56
We can squabble about what is, in the grand scheme of things, essentially pretty meaningless cack, but this will unite us and make us all proud.

I, of course, always think the huge sums in football could change so much of importance in our country but fret not, they will contribute, like it or not, after next election!

Steve Ferns
3 Posted 26/09/2017 at 23:25:03
Great stuff
Jack Convery
4 Posted 26/09/2017 at 23:54:32
Dermot - spot on.
Will Mabon
5 Posted 27/09/2017 at 02:44:48
Great to see him improving and looking so happy.
Adam Carey
6 Posted 27/09/2017 at 11:36:41
I love how, whenever you read these kinds of updates, it feels like it is just “the norm” for Everton to conduct themselves in this way.

Keeping informed, leading any contact and making the effort to ensure the recipients get that special treatment, (mascots, team photos etc).

Very happy for young Finn. A touch of class from the club. Long may it continue.

Liam Reilly
7 Posted 27/09/2017 at 17:45:50
Can't begin to imagine what the family went through but this is great news, inspirational kid.

Long and happy life son.

Lenny Kingman
8 Posted 27/09/2017 at 19:34:04
That is a courageous family; I salute them.

Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


About these ads