The family of a music-loving Evertonian will see the teenager's dream come true on Saturday when one of his self-penned tracks will be played at Goodison Park.
Peter Fidler sadly passed away on New Year's Eve aged 18 after a three year battle with cancer, and now his parents David and Kath are bringing together his two passions - music and Everton Football Club - to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust.
One of the West Derby youngster's songs, Yesterday, will be played during half-time at Saturday's match against West Ham United, with fans urged to show their support by making a donation to the cancer charity that helped him during his period of treatment.
Peter's devotion to music almost rivalled his love of Everton and his family say he would be honoured to know that one of his treasured songs was to be played at the home of the Blues.
Dad David said: "This means absolutely everything to us. The idea that Pete is going to be performing in front of 30-odd thousand at Goodison Park, he’ll be laughing, he’ll be having a blast. He’s still with us, looking down and he will enjoy the day, that's for certain.
"Initially you might think that it must have been an awful three years, but it wasn’t. We had quite a good time, and that’s largely down to Teenage Cancer Trust. They helped out enormously. They look after the whole family and the work they do is essential. Their staff are skilful, thoughtful, loving, caring people, they put you at ease from day one and I can’t thank them enough. Any money we can raise will be Pete helping those who helped him.”
Peter, a Season Ticket holder in the Gwladys Street, was well-known to the Club after Leighton Baines paid a special visit to his home to spend time with him and hear about how his treatment was progressing in early 2014. Their shared love of music gave them plenty to talk about, with Peter eagerly telling Leighton about his band, The Also Known As.
Touched by Peter's story and his incredible strength, Leighton followed his progress closely and when he needed a boost during a difficult stage in his treatment, the left-back invited Peter to Finch Farm to watch a training session and meet up with some of his heroes again.
Peter and David were also invited as special guests to Goodison Park for the home game against Manchester United in 2013/14, and spent time catching up with the first-team and Roberto Martinez again when the squad visited Alder Hey Children’s Hospital at Christmas-time.
“Leighton Baines was an absolute superstar," said David. "He came round to the house for a cup of tea and it was like he was just Pete’s mate. There were no airs and graces, he just sat down and had a chat. We had seen Leighton, Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert and Phil Jagielka at the hospital, too, and they were all superstars with Pete.
"Everton is just an amazing club. In those three years since he was diagnosed, he only missed four games and the Club would do whatever they could to make sure Pete could see the game.
"Pete was a happy fella anyway but when you get a boost like that it can carry you for a few weeks and keep you going.”
In addition to his special experiences with the Blues, Teenage Cancer Trust made sure Peter always had something to look forward to, be it through arranging concert tickets, getting him involved in the design of the new Alder Hey or even arranging for him to meet his idol, Oasis singer Noel Gallagher.
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for the seven young people aged 13 to 24 diagnosed with cancer every day. The charity funds and builds specialist units in NHS hospitals – including one at the new Alder Hey Children’s Hospital - and provides dedicated staff, bringing young people together so they can be treated by teenage cancer experts in the best place for them.
To support
Teenage Cancer Trust, simply text GIVE to 70500 to donate £5. Teenage Cancer Trust will receive 100 per cent of your donation. Teenage Cancer Trust will text you once to thank you and a second time to ask if you’d like to hear more news. They won’t contact you again if you don’t reply.
Find out more about Peter's story in the video above or listen to more of his music
here.
This is a charity donation service for Teenage Cancer Trust. It costs £5 plus one standard message. Always ask the bill payer’s permission. The mobile payment helpline is 03306600425.
