Owls fan James Mair received the perfect birthday gift when he joined a victorious side at the famous Hillsborough stadium.
As a special surprise birthday treat, lifelong Wednesday fan James had been signed up by his dad Ian to take part in the Sheffield Wednesday Charity Cup, the unique sporting challenge that raises money for St Luke’s and the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme.
Two teams - home and away sides headed by Wednesday legends John Newsome and John Pearson – competed for the winners’ trophy and helped take the fundraising total to around £15,000.
And the final winner with a score of 5-0 was the home team, including birthday boy James and Reverend and the Makers lead singer Jon McClure.
As well as getting to play on the hallowed Wednesday turf, the teams also got full use of the SWFC player’s facilities and changing rooms, received a SWFC shirt, enjoyed a meal after the game for themselves and a guest in the 1867 suite and went home with a souvenir team photograph and player’s medal.
“This really was the perfect gift for a real Owls fan like James,” said our Corporate Fundraising Manager Jack Kidder.
“It was a truly unique opportunity to step out onto the famous Wednesday pitch and be part of a memorable sporting occasion which will also help make an enormous difference to the lives of St Luke’s patients and their families.”
Check out our SWFC Charity Cup image gallery to see photos from the day.