Every football fan dreams of a day out to Wembley to cheer their team on.
But for Everton supporter Dan and his young son, that dream was almost taken away in the cruellest fashion as their coach which was supposed to bring them to their FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United never showed up.
On way home as we've been let down for coach and ticket despite paying gutted @Everton pic.twitter.com/xv2SpSrFw0
— Dan EFC 1878 (@Dan_EFC1878) April 23, 2016
Upon venting his frustration, Dan received numerous messages from fellow football fans who felt his disappointment.
In particular, the image of a young fan missing out on a trip to Wembley for something so small struck a chord, but Dan revealed that the young Toffee was taking things as well as he could.
Thanks for all the tweets. My lads gutted but he's not one to kick off luckily. Not even arsed about the money. Almost home
— Dan EFC 1878 (@Dan_EFC1878) April 23, 2016
But as Dan’s story began spreading on Twitter, he was offered a chance to make it to the game after all.
@Dan_EFC1878 @Everton Dan could you confirm your full name via Direct Message please? I'm trying to get in touch with #VTLiverpool ^CB
— Virgin Trains Ticketing (@VirginTrainsTix) April 23, 2016
Thanks for all the support. @VirginTrains are being amazing and trying to sort us travel. At least my lad will get to Wembley as promised
— Dan EFC 1878 (@Dan_EFC1878) April 23, 2016
Literally shaking here due to the kindness of our amazing fans and @VirginTrains
— Dan EFC 1878 (@Dan_EFC1878) April 23, 2016
And it wasn’t just the footballing community which rallied around the pair, as Merseyside boxer Tony Bellew looked to make up for one potentially missed sporting event with tickets for another.
I'd like to offer you 2 tickets on me to my fight at Goodison Park on May 29th if you can make it little man.. 👍🏽 https://t.co/UWWok4mbVR
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) April 23, 2016
They were then well on their way to make it on time for the 5.15pm kick-off.
He's a happy boy now en route to London. Thanks. @TonyBellew @VirginTrains @MeliaNeill pic.twitter.com/UjiGPB2qir
— Dan EFC 1878 (@Dan_EFC1878) April 23, 2016
Nicely done, everyone!
Thanks to all that made Alfie's day be a reality. Was touch and go for a while. Now…come on you Blues pic.twitter.com/10dpGWang8
— Dan EFC 1878 (@Dan_EFC1878) April 23, 2016