Generous Mansfield Town pays for season ticket for young Stags fan caring for sick mum

Nine-year-old Brendan Whitehead and his dad, Paul, who also received a ticket, were surprised with the gift at an event at the club this week.

Manager Steve Evans handed over the tickets as he took part in a question-and-answer evening with supporters.

Watch Steve Evans present the season ticket giftThe story of how Brendan helps care for his mum, along with her two daughters and Paul, was first highlighted at Christmas when the Stags manager surprised the youngsters by visiting his home and presenting him with a ball and Stags scarf.

A video of that visit — and one about the club’s work with its family section — led to the generous supporter, who wishes to remain anonymous but is known as Wilfred on fans’ website Stagsnet, deciding to pay for a season ticket for the youngster and his father, for the rest of this season and next season.

It was also revealed at the presentation at the Evening With Steve Evans event that Wilfred will buy a youngster and their parent a season ticket for each season while he is “still on the Earth.”

An Evening With Steve EvansWriting on social media, Paul said: “What an amazing night. I would like to say the biggest thank you possible to the gentleman who goes by the user name Wilfred, from myself and my family for the amazing gift.

“As a lifelong fan of this club for over 40 years, I’ve seen and had some fantastic times with many fans and friends, but what you have done for me and my son, Brendan, has beat everything. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Speaking at the presentation of the tickets, Paul said: “I am so proud of this lad for what he does for his mum. She has got cancer and is really poorly, but he is a godsend — not just for what he does at home, but for how he behaves in public.”

After receiving the tickets Brendan said: “I am really happy.”

Manager Evans added: “It’s incredible what Brendan does. I drove away in tears (after our visit at Christmas). What an incredible gesture this is.

“I hope we can give Brendan and his dad enough performances that make them go home smiling because in adversity sometimes we can smile.”