Everton FC legend pays surprise visit to stunned heroic family
16 Dec 2013 20:12
Former striker Duncan Ferguson pays visit to mother and son who came to rescue of elderly woman on derby day last month
Andrew Crowley, 15, and his mum, Tracey Holland, returned home to find that Everton FC had turned their front garden into a Santa's grotto - complete with Blues legend Duncan Ferguson.
Everton FC legend Duncan Ferguson left an heroic family stunned as he paid them a special Christmas visit.
Tracey Holland and Andrew Cowley returned from a tour of Goodison Park today to see their Bootle home transformed into the centre piece of a festive street party.
The event was thrown in their honour following a courageous act from the pair last month.
Tracey and Andrew were on the way to Everton’s derby clash with Liverpool when they came to the aid of an elderly woman who had collapsed.
They were left so distressed by the incident that they left the match early and so missed the conclusion of one of the greatest derbies of modern times.
Everton were made aware of their story by a neighbour and so picked them to be the first of five recipients of a extraordinary Christmas present this week.
Blues striking legend Ferguson paid a visit to their Cullen Avenue home and handed over a bundle of Everton gifts to Andrew, 15, and Tracey, including signed photos, signed shirts and hampers.
And the former Everton striker was full of admiration for this selfless mother and son.
“It is unbelievable,” said Ferguson.
“They were on their way to the derby and they came to the aid of an elderly woman. What they did was tremendous.
“For that to happen to you, when you’re on your way to the derby match and for somebody to go to help someone like that, it’s incredible and they’re such beautiful people to do that.
“It was a real special night and it’s tremendous that we can give a little bit back to the community because the fans are what it’s all about. That’s why our club is so special because of these people.”
Tracey and Andrew’s home was turned into a blue Santa grotto and their quiet Bootle street was alive to the sound of Christmas songs.
“It was amazing to meet Duncan,” said teenager Andrew.
“I remember seeing him a few years ago when my brother was a mascot and I’ve always wanted to meet him. Today has been amazing for me.
“On that day of the derby, I don’t know what happened but I just went into shock and I missed the game. I really thank Everton a lot for making this day for me. They’re the best Club in the Premier League and I’m so proud to be an Evertonian.”
Mum Tracy added: “It’s been absolutely amazing, incredible. I would rather have missed the derby and had this today. It’s definitely made up for it. It was a great derby but this has been a better day.
“They’re unbelievable Everton Football Club. I’ve supported them since I was a baby and to have this is just amazing.”
Liverpool singer Jennifer Jewell entertained local residents while staff from Everton in the Community were on hand to give out blue Santa hats.
Ferguson was mobbed by Evertonians and the 41-year-old posed for countless photos and stopped to sign autographs with disbelieving local residents.
The event was the first of five that will take place between this week as Everton bid to turn the city’s streets blue for a second successive year.
Last December, Everton lit up 12 city landmarks, including both cathedrals and the Albert Dock with a ‘Merry Christmas’ message from staff and players at the club.
This year’s ‘flash-mob’ style parties will happen each evening between 5-6pm and involve blue lights, a special Everton guest, live music, more prize giveaways, blue Santa and his grotto.
Source: Echo
