Sunderland supporter, 10, sees dream come true as he leads team out

It may not have been a memorable day on the pitch for Sunderland AFC - but one supporter had an experience he'll never forget at Goodison Park yesterday.
Josh with Sunderland manager David Moyes.Josh with Sunderland manager David Moyes.
Josh with Sunderland manager David Moyes.

Josh Wales, 10, had always dreamed about one day leading out his beloved Black Cats as mascot.

His dream came true at Everton yesterday as he walked out with Sunderland captain John O'Shea ahead of the game, which the Black Cats lost 2-0.

Josh at Goodison Park.Josh at Goodison Park.
Josh at Goodison Park.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was a day on which cancer-battling youngster Bradley Lowery was also a mascot for Sunderland.

Josh, meanwhile, suffers from cerebral palsy, and even had to delay an operation on his leg to realise his dream.

Mum Barbara Jepson, from Shotton Colliery, said: "Josh has had a season ticket for six years, and all he has ever wanted to do is to be mascot.

"I had written to the club time and time again asking if he could be the mascot, but we'd never got lucky.

Josh at Goodison Park.Josh at Goodison Park.
Josh at Goodison Park.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I got a phonecall asking if he'd like to be mascot at Everton.

"He was absolutely thrilled.

"He was due to go into the RVI in Newcastle for surgery on his leg to strengthen his muscles, but the doctor delayed the operation so he could do this."

Josh was joined by 14 family members on Merseyside for his big moment.

Afterwards, he met up with Sunderland manager David Moyes, who he had spoken to in the weeks previously.

Barbara added: "Josh absolutely loved it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"David Moyes is always last out after a game and he said that he needed to wait to tell him his dream had come true.

"He had spoken to David before so when he saw him after the Everton game, he spotted us and came over to talk to Josh.

"Josh was very emotional yesterday. It was just a dream come true for him as he absolutely loves Sunderland."