A Scots tot desperately waiting for a life-saving double transplant was visited in hospital by his Rangers heroes. Zachary Bradford had a special visit from some Light Blues stars as they dropped into the Glasgow Children’s Hospital for their annual festive visit.
The three-year-old from Kirkintilloch may just have weeks left to live and is urgent need of a small bowel and liver transplant. He is currently in the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow battling an infection.
But on Wednesday the youngster was cheered up with a special visit by players from the Rangers men’s and women’s team. First team stars Nico Raskin, Hamza Igamane, and Danilo were among those who popped in to say hello to the brave toddler.
Mum Jade has told how the visit was an incredible experience for Zachary and his Rangers supporting family. She told the Record: “It was amazing for Zachary to meet all the players. He was so happy to see them.
“The players gave him and his little brother Reuben a signed shirt and a mini-ball. They were all brilliant with him, a couple of them have even followed his page on Instagram and shared his post.
“It’s amazing exposure for us its all about sharing Zachary’s story far and wide.”
Jade has told how the visit was also a big deal for dad Rhys who dreams of taking Zachary to Ibrox one day, along with his little brother Reuben. She said: “Zachary‘s been in and out so often in the past three years and always missed the days they visit so Rhys was very pleased to have caught them this time.
“He’d love to take Zachary to a game one day, that’s a dream of ours. We just hope someone out there can make it happen.”
Heartwarming pictures of Zachary with the players show the family all smiles with dad Rhys and brother Reuben also in Rangers tops. In another image Zachary can be seen wearing the white away kit which was signed by the players.
The family were joined by Rhys’ mum and dad Mark and Charlotte. This week the Record told how Santa paid a special visit to Zachary at home as he enjoyed a respite day from hospital.
Magical memories were created thanks to the John O’Byrne Foundation. Mum Jade said: “One of the reasons it was so special to get Santa to the house was because we may not get to Christmas if he’s really unwell.
“Even if we do we may not be able to spend it at home. It gave us that Christmas feel at home which we may not get on Christmas Day.”
You can follow Zachary’s story here.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond.Sign up to our daily newsletter.