Manchester City's treble trophies taken to patient's bedside

A football fan got the surprise of his life when Manchester City staff came to see him with the silverware from the club's greatest ever season.

Mark Whittaker was stunned to see the FA Cup, Premier League, Champions League and Super Cup brought to his hospice bed.

Mr Whittaker, 56, was one of 50 blues who featured in the 2010 documentary film Blue Moon Rising, external.

He was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in March.

"There was no way I expected this. It was the only dream I had left," the City fanatic said.

The professional photographer, from Denton in Tameside, had hoped to visit the Etihad to see another game.

But when he became too sick to attend staff at Willow Wood Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne contacted the club to see what they could do.

The club also sent a signed shirt and a video message from former City and England winger Peter Barnes.

Danny Wilson, the club's operations manager, said: "Over the years Mark has shown his loyal support and dedication to the club and has become known to many of our fans during this time.

"Although I wish it was under different circumstances, I'm pleased we could do something to thank Mark for his support and lift his family's spirits during this unimaginably difficult time."

Hospice chief executive Karen Houlston said: "We are very grateful to Manchester City for engaging with us and bringing their trophy collection to the hospice as a surprise."

Last week the club also took the trophies, external to expat Mancunian and lifelong fan John Cretney, 80, who is terminally ill and now lives in Hazel Brook in the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia.

"It was brilliant," said Mr Cretney, who also received a personal video message from City and England star John Stones.

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