Fingers crossed for Callum's wish

Blyth Spartans are wishing young supporter Callum Brown the best of luck this week after he arrived in the United States for a life changing operation.

The eight-year-old has Cerebral Palsy and is in St Louis to undergo a ‘Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy’. If successful, it could see him walk for the first time in his life at Croft Park.

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club's supporters helped the football mad youngster's family and friends raise the £50K needed to fund the trip and treatment after hearing about their ‘Callum’s Wish’ campaign through Spartans General Manager Ian Evans. His granddaughter is in the same class at school and Spartans manager Paddy Atkinson is pictured with the club supporter before he left for America.

Since being presented with an honorary season ticket alongside his father Neil by the Premier Division club's midfielder Neal Hooks back in September, Callum has become a vociferous supporter and fundraising is still continuing to pay for the many hours of rehabilitation doctors say he'll need on his return.

A Spartan spokesman said: "Everybody at Spartans would like to wish season ticket holder Callum Brown and his parents Neil and Sharon the very best of luck. Callum was mascot for the home game against Hednesford Town earlier in the season on a day when Spartans and Pitmen fans, officials and players all gave generously towards the fund.

"Fundraising efforts are still ongoing to help with further rehabilitation costs and we’re all looking forward to seeing, and no doubt hearing, Callum supporting the lads at Croft Park in the near future. Although it's probably fair to say we aren't so sure visiting players or match officials will welcome his return as much!"

For more information or to support Callum's ‘Wish to Walk’ campaign visit: www.callumswishtowalk.co.uk/