Aston Villa fan Jason Lowe was plunged into despair after being diagnosed with an incurable form of blood cancer which saw him lose his hair during treatment.
But his ten-year-old son, also called Jason, would not let his dad fight his illness alone.
The Staffordshire schoolboy plans to shave off his own hair to show solidarity and help raise funds for charities researching a cure.
Now the inspiring father and son have received additional support from Tom Fox, chief executive of Aston Villa, after the proud dad wrote to him about his son, also a claret and blue fanatic.
The soccer boss has now sent the pair eight woolly hats to keep their heads warm during the winter, two free tickets to any Villa game, and he also made a charity donation.
Former delivery driver Jason, 43, said: “It’s really amazing what Tom Fox did and it has put a massive smile on both our faces.
“I thought that through all the turmoil Villa have been facing that he’d never have the time to even read my letter, so I did not expect the response we got.
“Jason is still smiling now because he absolutely loves Villa.”
Jason was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma last year and underwent stem cell treatment and chemotherapy, which caused him to go bald.
His son will be shaving off his hair in front of his whole school, Bursley Academy, on his birthday on November 13.
The proud father: “He’s a pretty special young lad. At the school assembly they’ll be raising money and he’s all ready raised about £700 for charity. I couldn’t possibly be prouder of him.”
Jason, who lives in Newcastle-under-Lyme, wrote to Villa boss Mr Fox to see if the club would recognise his son as the family had always been big fans.
He was blown away with the reply which stated: “I have a 15 year-old son and I know how important hair is to a young man.
“So your willingness to shave your head to raise money to support Multiple Myeloma is indeed a sacrifice and one which would make any father proud.
“Having said that, once the good deed is done you’ll be heading into winter without any insulation up-top, so we have sent along a selection of warm hats to help you and your dad keep warm while you show your support for Villa.
“We certainly need all the support we can get right now.
“I have enclosed a personal cheque on behalf of my family and me to put forward toward your fund raising efforts.
“And finally, my two season tickets in the Trinity Road stand are yours for any game you choose.”
Jason said a day out watching his favourite team was the least his son deserved for the support and bravery he had shown.
He said: “I was worried sick about how he would take the news of my cancer but he’s been unbelievably mature and grown up about it.
“He’s always done well at school but his most recent report was better than ever.
“I heard he’s even been speaking to his school dinner ladies about stem cell treatments.”
Original Source: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/aston-villa-chief-tom...
