YOUNG Charlie Stevens from Teignbridge is now the world’s biggest Man City fan after a VIP trip to see his favourite team.

The star-struck seven-year-old from Cheriton Bishop was left in a constant state of wonderment as he visited the club and met his footballing heroes Sergio Agüero, Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart.

Charlie, whose parents Philippa and Joel together with older brother Oliver shared in the dream-come-true experience, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leaukaemia when he was just three years old. Since then he has undergone more than three years of intensive chemotherapy in his fight against the cancer.

The one-off excursion to meet the only British club left in the European Championships was made possible thanks to Starlight Children’s Foundation, the country’s leading wish-granting charity for children and young people with serious and terminal illness.

Dad Joel, said: ‘Charlie was full of beans. He was so excited and kept asking if it was really happening!’

‘Gobsmacked’

Charlie and his gang were treated to a guided tour of the grounds and training facilities and later they all met the team currently riding high in the Premiership.

Mum Philippa said: ‘Charlie was absolutely gobsmacked when the players came out to greet him and his brother. He was grinning from ear to ear.’

The family sat with the players, asked them lots of questions, got things signed and had their photos taken with them. Charlie and his brother were even given special goody bags to take home.

Joel said: ‘Charlie couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw his personalised Man City shirt with his name and the number seven on it for his age.

‘It was such a special surprise and he made sure he got it signed by all the players, including his favourites, Sergio Agüero, Vincent Kompany, Joe Hart and his new best friend, Les Chapman, the club’s kit man, who greeted him at the start.’

Philippa said: ‘I cannot thank Starlight enough for arranging such a special day for Charlie. This really was the perfect end to a very hard chapter in our lives. The wish really did so much – not just for Charlie, but for all of us!’

A spokesman for Man City said: ‘The club works closely with wish-granting charities to create special experiences for its fans.

‘We were delighted to hear that Charlie enjoyed himself. His bravery and positivity was an inspiration to the whole team. We’re very lucky to have such dedicated supporters.’

A delighted Charlie said: ‘Thank you Starlight. It was the best day ever!’

Leukaemia

To complete Charlie’s wish, Starlight is sending Charlie and his family to see Man City play West Bromwich Albion on April 9.

Philippa revealed how Charlie’s fight with cancer kicked off in 2012.

‘He kept picking up viruses and infections and became incredibly pale and had little energy. It was when the bruising and bleeding began that it became clear that there was something seriously wrong.’

She added: ‘I took him to A&E and although I had googled the potential causes it wasn’t until the consultant asked to speak to my husband and me alone that the fear really set in. She sat us down and told us that Charlie had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. It was devastating.’

Charlie handled his diagnosis exceptionally well and has thankfully now completed his treatment.

Philippa admitted: ‘It has been an incredibly tough few years.’

She revealed how Charlie endured more than 1,500 shots of chemo, endless blood and platelet transfusions and reduced mobility but he didn’t let it beat him.

‘He was so resilient and so brave,’ she said.

To refer a child for a Starlight Wish or to make a donation to help other children like Charlie visit www.starlight.org.uk.