ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN DONATES MATCH TICKETS TO 12-YEAR-OLD WREXHAM YOUNG CARER NUFC SUPER-FAN – AND MEETS HIM AFTER THE GAME

Newcastle United footballer Allan Saint-Maximin recently made dreams come true for 12-year-old NUFC fan Alfie Blackwell – a young carer from Wrexham.

Saint-Maximin donated four tickets for Alfie after staff in Wrexham at the charity Action for Children’s ‘Together Achieving Change’ service (TAC), which provides support for the youngster and his family, wrote to the French forward and told him Alfie’s story.
Alfie, a young carer who cares for his mum and siblings, also follows Wrexham FC but is a self-proclaimed Newcastle super-fan and the star player is his football idol.

Alfie made the 400-mile round trip to Newcastle upon Tyne with his uncle and staff from Action for Children, in what he thought was just a visit to the city before being surprised with the tickets to the Newcastle United home game against Aston Villa on Sunday 13 February.

As a further surprise for the 12-year-old, Saint-Maximin met with the youngster after the match and gave him a range of NUFC goodies including a signed No.10 shirt.

Speaking about the day, Alfie said: “I thought we were just going to Newcastle for the day. I wanted to see the stadium and club shop so when Uncle Tom told me we had tickets for the match, it was such a surprise! I was so happy and when we won 1-0, it made it even better.

“I couldn’t believe it when Saint-Maximin surprised me and wanted a picture with me. He even gave me his signed match shirt. It was the best day of my life!”

Sharon Hughes, TAC Practice Manager, said: “Young carers like Alfie take on such adult responsibilities and can often miss out on moments may of his peers will take for granted, like attending a football match. He’s a fantastic kid who is always talking to us about his beloved Newcastle United, so we are incredibly grateful to Allan for donating the tickets and taking the time to meet with Alfie after the match. It was literally a dream come true for Alfie and a day he will never forget.”