Billy meets his hero (From St Helens Star)
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Cancer patient Billy Jarvis meets Everton hero Marouane Fellaini
10:59am Thursday 13th September 2012 in News By Stephen Mather, Senior reporter
Billy on his is VIP trip to Goodison Park with Marouane Fellaini and Leon Osman. (Picture courtesy Everton FC)
FOR more than half of his young life, courageous Billy Jarvis has undergone punishing treatment for cancer.
Now things are looking brighter for the little battler – and to reward his toughness the Star and Everton FC teamed up to help make a dream come true... by getting a high-five from footballing hero Marouane Fellaini.
Six-year-old Billy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in January 2009, and he has had to undergo intensive chemotherapy But after stopping his treatment in July, things are looking much more positive.
After reporting on his story back in May, when he was pictured wearing an Everton shirt, the Star felt he deserved a special day.
The Premier League club were delighted to invite Billy and Ian as their guests at Goodison Park to meet some of the players before a cup victory over Leyton Orient.
Dad Ian, 36, explained: “Since he’s come out of treatment, he’s shot up. With all the chemo, he’d stopped growing, but everyone is surprised.
“Now he just has to go to hospital once a month to get his blood checked. But it’s looking good at the minute.
“You can’t say it’s finished and we won’t be having a party. Since he’s come off the treatment, he’s full of energy. I think he’s making up for lost time.”
England international Phil Jagielka, Croatian Nikica Jelavic, Billinge born Leon Osman and Belgian superstar Marouane Fellaini all had a chat with proud father and son.
Ian, who is a postman, joked that although Billy was young, it was never too early to make sure his allegiances weren’t swayed to the other side of Stanley Park.
He said: “We don’t want him to go to the dark side. Even though his Nan, keeps trying to get him to support Liverpool. So hopefully he’s learned from that experience.
“The players were great and Billy really enjoyed it. “But I think his favourite player was Fellaini, because of his hair and he gave him a high five.”
An Everton spokesman said: “We are delighted that Billy had a night to remember at Goodison Park.
“He had a great time meeting some of his favourite players and we all enjoyed a great result on the pitch.
“Everyone at the club sends Billy and his family all the very best wishes for the future.”
