Charlie selected as Man Utd mascot for first game of season

Charlie Lynch from Tullamore is preparing to tog out for Manchester United when they play the first game of the season against Swansea on August 19.

The eight-year-old who is waiting for over three years for a liver transplant and whose condition is rapidly deteriorating is having a brief reprieve from hospital wards on the day in order to walk out onto the pitch with his idol, Wayne Rooney.

He will get to take a penalty kick against Swansea, have his ball signed by the Man Utd players, and hang out with them all after the game.

“He is over the moon, this has been a dream of his for a long time,” says mum Helen Lynch. “It's put a smile on his face,” continues Helen who moved the family to Wales to be nearer to the hospital in case a liver transplant comes up.

“He is not doing too well at all, and originally doctors refused to let him be mascot, but we got there eventually and he now has permission,” she explains.

“There's fluid build-up in his lungs and he now has to get that drained twice a week. There's also a fear that he might have rickets, which is wear and tear from the medication he's been on for years.

“It's difficult but we're not the only ones in this position. I've heard of other Irish families travelling to the UK for treatment because there are fears that when a transplant comes up, there won't be the transport available to them if they have to leave immediately.”

Helen herself is four and half months pregnant and says she is suffering from low blood pressure from the stress of the situation. “It's miracles we're looking for at this stage. Doctors are doing all they can for him. We have to just hope that a liver turns up for Charlie.”

In the meantime, Charlie is crossing off the days on the calendar till August 19 when he gets to tog out with his favourite team. “He's bringing his brother Daniel and myself with him, so it should make for a very happy day.”