Young fan Jonah Byrne and his sister Rosie were surprised at school by Wolves midfielders Dave Edwards and Jack Price after being nominated for a Wolves Wish.
Jonah, aged six, attends St Michael’s Catholic Primary School in Merry Hill, Wolverhampton.
His Mom Jenny works at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Academy in Whitmore Reans, and it is one of her work colleagues - Raj Mittal – who actually put Jonah’s name forward.
Jonah has a younger brother – two-year-old Gerard – and a younger sister – four-year-old Rosie.
Rosie, who also attends St Michael’s, has been undergoing intrusive treatment for leukaemia for almost two years and has a further year at least of treatment remaining.
Raj takes up the story.
“This past year and a half has put tremendous strain on the whole family as they struggle with everyday life and routine as well as the devastation of on-going treatments, hospital stays, infections etc.
“Jonah is a very well balanced, loving and mature boy who always puts his sister’s needs before his own including walking up to the summit of Mount Snowdon last July to help raise money for a special garden for Rosie as she could not leave the house due to infection control.
“Jonah is a very keen and enthusiastic Wolves supporter and loves attending any Wolves match when able to with friends and extended family support.
“It would mean the world to Jonah and indeed his family if he could be a Wolves mascot.”
And so it was that Wolves’ Salopian midfield maestros – Messrs Edwards and Price – surprised pupils at St Michael’s during a specially staged assembly, in answer to the Wolves Wish.
And then surprised Jonah even more by asking him to come to the front of the room to receive a new Wolves kit and details that he was to be a mascot at the home game with Fulham a couple of days later.
Jonah then got to walk out with debutant keeper Harry Burgoyne ahead of the dramatic 4-4 draw!
Mum Jenny adds: “When Rosie was first diagnosed in February 2014, she lost the ability to walk, was unable to bear any weight for six months and had to attend regular physio sessions at hospital.
“Jonah helped her with all her exercises - we called him her sports physio and he was the greatest motivating factor that got her walking again independently. They have such a special relationship!
“The Wolves Wish was a great surprise.
“Jonah didn’t stop talking about it and phoned all of his relatives to tell them about what had happened at school.
“Jonah and Rosie will remember it forever - Jonah couldn't get a better wish as he lives, dreams and breathes football 24-7 and will be a Wolves fan like his Dad for always.”
