Lee Rawlinson family has Wembley VIP visit thanks community

Last week the Echo publicised Lee Rawlinson’s plea for “one last magical Christmas” with his wife, Faye, and children Darcey, ten, and Marley, six, following a shock pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

The family have received overwhelming support and have a number of big days out planned to help create cherished memories.

Ahead of Sunday’s England V Ireland match in Wembley Stadium, Lee and his family were “treated like royalty” as VIP guests – getting a full stadium tour on Marley’s birthday and signed shirts and meetings with football stars.

Thank you - Lee Rawlinson (Image: Lee Rawlinson) On the pitch - Marley, Lee, Darcey and Faye Rawlinson (Image: Lee Rawlinson)

Lee said: “Jude Bellingham came up to us on the pitch side and took off his training top and gave it to Marley, that meant so much. We got a signed shirt from all the players, all on his birthday.

“I also was given a personalised shirt and we had dinner there as well.

“Glenn Hoddle came over and chatted to Jermaine Defoe, that was a good day, we spoke about their experiences and it was incredible.

“We were treated like royalty, imagine how it must have felt for Marley to be given the shirt of one of the best players in the world, I said to my wife we will frame it.”

Pitchside - Lee and his family (Image: Lee Rawlinson) Personalised shirt - Lee Rawlinson (Image: Lee Rawlinson)

Lee, who is an Arsenal supporter, has also been contacted by the team for a guest spot at their match against Crystal Palace on December 18.

He added: “Declan Rice phoned a man at the FA and did a video message where he wished Marley a happy birthday. He said he had heard all about him and it meant so much to him.

“I am so thankful for the support and thankful to the Echo for covering the story, because of that story we have had people coming up to us and saying ‘I read your story’.”

To donate to Lee, https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/rawlinsons