Footballer Robert Snodgrass made sure a dying football was given the VIP treatment ahead of his final match. The ex-Scotland star also donated memorabilia to cancer-stricken Luton Town supporter Mat Westwood.
Mat, 35, was a guest of honour at the English Championship club’s first home match of the season against Birmingham City. Glasgow-born Snodgrass, 34, arranged for Mat and his family to attend Kenilworth Road last Saturday.
His son Alfie, 13, was the team mascot as Mat and his partner Lizzie watched from the stand. The midfielder, 34, contacted Mat after discovering the Hatters fan was given just six months to live.
He also offered to send Mat the top he wore in the championship play-off and pair of boots after learning last Saturday’s game would be the final football match he would ever be able to attend.
Snodgrass was able to pull out the stops despite leaving Luton at the end of last season to return to parent club West Bromwich Albion. The life-long supporter was also given permission to attend the team’s training session last Friday by manager Nathan Jones.
Mat Tweeted: “I can’t wait for the Luton Town game on Saturday. Mixed emotions though, my son will be mascot. Amazing. Thought due to cancer giving me six months left, it will be the last game I manage to get to. Make it a good one lads.”
Snodgrass joined Luton on loan from West Bromwich Albion after spells with Leeds United, Norwich City, Hully City, West Ham United and Aston Villa. A source close to Snodgrass said: “This just sums him up, he’s a great guy, very humble and always thinks of others.
“As soon as he heard what Mat and his family were going through he reached out, offering gifts and asking if there was anything he could do to help.”
A Luton Town spokesperson added: “It was a pleasure to host Mat, Alfie and Lizzie at the training ground on Friday ahead of Saturday’s match with Birmingham, when Alfie was due to be mascot.
“As soon as we became aware of Mat’s tragic situation from his tweet, our players and manager Nathan Jones wanted to do something special and immediately invited them in to be part of the build-up to the game. His positivity and bravery gave everyone a lift.
“We class ourselves as one big family here where the players feel a close connection to the supporters, and even when they have left, players still feel it.
“The ovation Mat and Alfie received on Saturday from the whole stadium, including Birmingham supporters and players and staff from both sides joining in the applause in the 35th minute, touched everyone there.
“We hope the experience has given the family memories to cherish and they know the club is here to support them, the way Mat has supported his team for so many years.”
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