Daire Flanagan

A football-mad boy who stunned doctors by defying the odds has met his heroes from Everton FC in a "dream come true".



Doctors said little Daire Flanagan wouldn't survive 48 hours after birth after being diagnosed with Apert Syndrome, but now he is thriving and enjoying life as a happy seven-year-old.

As a special treat for his courage and bravery, friends of Daire's family started a fundraising campaign to take him to watch his beloved Everton, in Goodison Park, Liverpool.

Republic of Ireland and Everton right-back Seamus Coleman was instrumental in making Daire's dream come true when he donated £5,000 to the cause after reading about Daire's story, Belfast Live reports.



he Co Donegal native also sent a message to the Facebook group set up to help get Daire to see his favourite team at Goodison Park.It said: "I read Daire's story online and would love to help get him his trip to Goodison next season. I made a donation of 5 thousand pounds and hope that can help get Daire and his family a safe trip to Liverpool. Looking forward to seeing you at a game next season."

Apert syndrome is a genetic disorder which prevents the skull from growing normally and affects the shape of the head and face.

On Friday, Daire travelled to Finch Farm, Everton's training ground to meet Seamus and his other footballing heroes before he led the players onto the pitch at Goodison Park on Friday night for their game against Watford.

After the kind donation from Coleman last year, Daire's mum Colette told Belfast Live she broke down in tears when she got the news.