A Manchester United fan who beat Stage 3 cancer realised his dream of watching a match at Old Trafford, thanks to the helping hand of Marcus Rashford and United legends Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand.
In September US-based lifelong Man Utd supporter John Burk was told that his cancer was in remission. His friends and team-mates from the Hilton Head Wanderers soccer club in North Carolina immediately sprung into action and raised $1,000 to send him to Manchester to see his favourite club host Brighton & Hove Albion.
All they needed, though, were tickets to the match.
Matt Waymont took to Twitter to share his friend's story and contacted several Man Utd players asking for their help.
Striker Rashford quickly offered tickets for Burk and his friends. He then asked Old Trafford favourite Neville, who owns the Hotel Football complex outside Old Trafford, to provide accommodation.
Tickets = ✅
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) October 22, 2019
Fancy helping with the hotel @GNev2... heard you might know a place? 😉 https://t.co/XrTfNV18IL
With his flight, match tickets and accommodation now in place, all Burk needed was a winning Man Utd display to mark his dream visit to Old Trafford.
Rashford played a big part in that too, scoring the decisive third goal in a 3-1 success against the Seagulls.
Watch John Burk's full Old Trafford experience
To complete a memorable trip, Burk and his friends met Rashford after the match and the England striker handed over a signed shirt. Former Man Utd defender Ferdinand provided dinner reservations and sent a personal video message too.
For Burk it was an experience he will cherish forever.
Incredible day. Incredible trip. All topped off by a great United performance. Day I will never forget. Great meeting you and tell your family we are grateful for their hospitality. Pure class! COME ON UNITED!
— John Burk (@Jobu_13) November 10, 2019