Seamus Coleman donates large sum to help ill Everton fan realise his dream

Daire Flanagan is a 6-year-old supporter of the Toffees who suffers from Apert syndrome.

By Stephen Barry

Ireland right-back Seamus Coleman has made a young Belfast-based Everton fan’s dream come true with a generous donation.

Daire Flanagan is a 6-year-old Toffees supporter who suffers from Apert syndrome, a genetic condition that affects skull growth.

Daire's parents had been told he may not live beyond 48 hours but, many years later, the miraculous child is old enough to dream of a day out at Goodison Park.

Everton were happy to welcome the youngster and a fundraising page was set up to cover the rest of the costs of the Air Ambulance trip across the Irish Sea.

The target figure of £1,000 was quickly passed, though, when the Everton star, Coleman, stepped in with a £5,000 donation, five times the target.

The excess funding will go to Mencap, a UK charity to help those with a learning disability.

Amazing gesture by Seamus Coleman to help make young Blue's dream Goodison trip a reality. 👏🏼https://t.co/dgU1fOdnox pic.twitter.com/wQmYBHywnq

— Everton (@Everton) March 11, 2016

Nice touch from Seamus Coleman to donate and help this young kid see Evertonhttps://t.co/JVHGxNV6cJ #EFC #Everton pic.twitter.com/TYGDaWcj61

— Love Everton Forum (@LuvEvertonForum) March 11, 2016

In a message to the person behind the charitable efforts, Coleman wrote: “I read Daire's story online and would love to help get him his trip to Goodison next season.

“I hope that [my donation] can help get Daire and his family a safe trip to Liverpool.

“Looking forward to seeing you at a game next season.”