Heart-wrenching update: A two-year-old supporter of Derby County

A two-year-old Derby County Football Club fan suffered a stroke just days after the team secured promotion.

Now Reuben’s family is fighting to help him recover before the Rams take to the pitch in the Championship once again.

A stroke hit the left side of Reuben’s brain on 1 May, affecting movement in his right arm and leg and taking away his speech.

But his family hope he will be well enough to return to Pride Park for the first game of the season in August.

His dad, Liam Mather, told the BBC: “Reuben had no health issues, he’s a normal little boy, loves football, loves sport.

Liam Mather Family at football match — The family, who are regular attendees in the West Stand at Pride Park, shared their experience: as the two-year-old walked into the bathroom with his mum, he suddenly showed signs of distress, touching his head and wincing in pain. Shortly after, he struggled to get out of the bath, with his mother noticing his drooping lip and his difficulty moving. An ambulance was called immediately, and Reuben is currently receiving treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where his family is encouraged by his gradual recovery in speech but concerned about the lack of movement in his right arm and leg. They’re fundraising to cover additional therapy beyond what the NHS provides, as well as any necessary home modifications for Reuben’s care.

Liam Mather Boy cheering — The family, who are regular attendees in the West Stand at Pride Park, shared their experience: as the two-year-old walked into the bathroom with his mum, he suddenly showed signs of distress, touching his head and wincing in pain. Shortly after, he struggled to get out of the bath, with his mother noticing his drooping lip and his difficulty moving. An ambulance was called immediately, and Reuben is currently receiving treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where his family is encouraged by his gradual recovery in speech but concerned about the lack of movement in his right arm and leg. They’re fundraising to cover additional therapy beyond what the NHS provides, as well as any necessary home modifications for Reuben’s care.

His family hope Reuben could be back at Pride Park next season

Mr Mather said: “The first three to six months of a recovery from a stroke are vital and obviously being two gives him an amazing opportunity to make as much of a recovery as possible.

“As parents we just want to enhance his odds and do as much as possible – and if he doesn’t recover as much as we’d like, obviously, then we’ve got to think about wheelchairs, stair lifts, kitting our house out to make his life as easy as possible.

“We can’t believe the reaction our appeal has had from the DCFC family.

“We’ve had messages from the players, the manager. Everyone’s getting behind Reuben.

“I’m so proud. After the promotion it really did feel like we’re all in it together then and unfortunately, four days later, we’ve had an absolute disaster and that family’s come together to support Reuben. We really appreciate it.

“We’ve been in contact with the club who have been amazing. We’ll do whatever it takes to get him there.”

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HALFTIMENEWS

Heart-wrenching update: A two-year-old supporter of Derby County experiences a stroke.

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