Harry Taylor was a teenage goalkeeper who had impressed enough at his local side Dukinfield Tigers to start playing at Curzon Ashton when he woke up 12 months ago not feeling right.
His parents took him to hospital, and from there he would be blue-lighted to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital for emergency surgery to correct what was realised as a twisted bowel.
The surgery appeared to have gone well, and Harry was expected back home in time for Christmas. But it didn't work, and Harry remained in hospital until March after more operations.
He came home for a few weeks but was hospitalised again and placed in the Intensive Care Unit and then the High Dependency Unit as doctors worked to get to the root of his problems. His mum and dad, Sarah and John, took the decision to take time off work and live at Ronald McDonald House with their other son Joe, 18, to concentrate on getting Harry home again.
After another month spent watching every City game in a hospital room - putting shirts and flags up behind the bed to show their support - Harry finally left hospital again in May in time to watch City win the the FA Cup, and the Champions League.
This story is from the December 24, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 24, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rodri's importance to Blues is laid bare
IF there is an argument for how good a player Rodri is then you need look no further than City right now.
City players walking a fine line over yellow cards
CITY are potentially just two matches away from losing a quartet of players during the hectic festive season.
Home comforts offer long-term hope to Super League Salford
SALFORD Red Devils have finally received the news they were waiting for, with Salford council confirming the acquisition of the club's stadium.
Just the ticket for a festive treat, despite nearly choking on a dry stuffing ball
THEY say the best things in life are worth waiting for.
A cut above the rest
A mobile barber from Bolton has been shortlisted as one of the top 100 small businesses in the country. Jignesh Madhavji, owner of Jiggi mobile barbershop, was shortlisted among 99 other businesses and was celebrated during an event at the House of Lords.
Man sheds NINE STONE after theme park shame
Machine operator has made a big transformation after he used to consume 4,000 calories a day
Last days of Owens Park
FOR many, the tower referred to as Owens Park will have been their first home in Manchester.
Insurance worker in data breach
A CAR insurance worker abused his position to divulge hundreds of customer private details to 'claims farmers! Rizwan Manjra, 44, was employed by Markerstudy Insurance Services Limited (MISL), based in the Arndale Centre in Manchester city centre, leading a team that processed accident claims.
Has the crackdown on crime gone too far?
Crime reporter John Scheerhout looks at GMP's recent use of dispersal orders in the region
The fight to bring hero soldier Dan's case before courts
Efforts continue to locate man named as a suspect in the investigation into unlawful killing of paratrooper.
