Brave Ben joins dream U's team

6:00am Tuesday 19th February 2008

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Oxford United fan Ben Barrett endures life with an incurable illness, but his dream came true when he met his football heroes.

The eight-year-old was given an exclusive tour of the Kassam Stadium on Friday, and met players who were training for Saturday's 1-0 win over Droylsden.

Football mad Ben, from Abingdon, suffers from the rare and life-threatening condition called Hyperinsul- inism.

Ben is treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London, every six months - staying for up to three days at a time - and has to have regular check-ups at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital.

But step-dad Chris, 41, brought a smile to the youngster's face by organising the surprise trip to his favourite stadium.

The Radley Primary School pupil sat in the press box and toured the changing rooms where the players are given team talks.

He then walked on to the pitch to meet the players, who presented him with a signed football shirt and wished him all the best.

Ben, who plays youth football in Radley and dreams of playing professionally, said it was fantastic meeting the team.

"They were really friendly," he said. "I had seen the players from the stands so it was great fun meeting them face to face."

Ex-policeman Chris added: "Ben has had to endure more than his fair share of troubles and discomfort.

"To meet his heroes in person showed him he was not forgotten. The club has been fantastic."

Oxford United kitman Paul Sullivan, 31, who suffers from diabetes and must take insulin twice a day, said he admired Ben's courage.

"It was a shock at 24 to discover I had diabetes so it's difficult to imagine what it must be like for him," he said. "He's a lovely lad."

Mum Jayne, also 41, believes if Ben were to become a successful footballer it would help raise the profile of his rare condition and encourage more public money to be spent on finding a cure.