Boy with rare disorder is Barrow Wanderers supporter of the year

Brandon Wright, from Barrow, has a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called Lamb-Shaffer syndrome.

The 14-year-old goes to Barrow Wanderers games every weekend to support the players and his dad Col Wright, who plays as the goalkeeper.

"There isn't a single player or member of the club who doesn't say hello or take the time to speak to Brandon," said Col.

"Beyond that they included him in a pre-season friendly, letting Brandon come on as a substitute towards the end of the game to score a goal. Despite his life struggles, throughout the season Brandon would look forward to his weekends to be a part of the club's fixtures."

Brandon lifting the cup at one of the club's wins (Image: Submitted)

At the end of the season, Brandon was nominated by the club to lift the Horne Cup trophy after a 3-2 victory over Haverigg and the Junior Cup trophy after a 3-1 victory over Dalton A.

Following the successful season, Brandon was presented with a Supporter of the Year award at the club's annual presentation night.

Col added that he was in 'tears of pride' as his son received the medal from the managers of both Barrow Wanderers teams. 

Brandon being presented with the medal (Image: Submitted)
He said: "Brandon was asked to lift both the cups by the managers. This was an incredibly proud moment for him and myself, and proved what a club Barrow Wanderers is.

"All clubs have special moments lifting trophies at the end of a season but not all clubs celebrate a cup double in such a special and united way as Barrow Wanderers did this season, by the acceptance and inclusion of a 14-year-old boy who deserves nothing less.

"I cannot thank the club enough on behalf of Brandon for making his weekends something to look forward to."

Brandon with his medal (Image: Submitted) Col said Brandon has had struggles since the day he was born. He was born almost three months premature weighing only 2lbs 12oz.

His dad explained he has always had medical difficulties with breathing, especially in his early life which led to a few worrying trips to intensive care.

"Brandon doesn't have much social life outside of home life," said Col.

"He started at Sandside Lodge school where he gets all the correct help and support he requires with his difficulties on his good days and not so good. He is loving life at Sandside Lodge School and has many friends.

Brandon and his dad Col holding a cup (Image: Submitted) "But the highlight of his week is definitely football at the weekend. Above all, he loves going to watch Barrow Wanderers. He is welcomed and accepted more than he has ever been in his life, the bar staff, management, players and club supporters all stop and talk to him, buy him drinks and crisps and involve him in everything that goes on as equal as anybody else.

"At the moment he is absolutely loving his life. I am so proud of him, spending my weekends with my son worry-free of meltdowns has been a long time coming and that is all down to the acceptance of others making him feel welcome and calm free of anxiety.

"I am so grateful to see people accept Brandon for who he is, a very special unique little boy. Everyone is so proud of him."