Battling Ballyfermot grandmother gets special Xmas letter

By Maurice Garvey

A BALLYFERMOT grand-mother battling cancer got an early Christmas present with a letter from her “crush” Liverpool FC Manager Jurgen Klopp.

Marie Wright (67), from Cleggan Road, Ballyfermot, was diagnosed with lung cancer in February, and initially given weeks to live.

However, a campaign by Reds fans to ensure Marie saw her first match at Anfield, generated a huge amount of goodwill, and massive backing from Reds fans at home and in the UK.

The feisty grandmother was dubbed a lucky charm by fellow supporters, after seeing her heroes thump current league champions Leicester 4-1.

Currently fighting her illness with the help of chemotherapy, Marie received a boost this week when a letter from Mr Klopp landed through her door.

The popular German manager said he was sorry to hear about her illness and “as one of our supporters, that means you are part of the LFC family and we care about you.”

He said his thoughts and prayers are with her and she “will never walk alone.”

Marie’s daughter Janice told The Echo the letter was another lift for her mam, who is “doing really well on chemo and amazes me with her strength and fighting spirit.”

“She wants to go back to Liverpool after Christmas, God willing – she is just so positive and is taking everything in her stride,” said Janice.

Janice thanked Claire’s Wish Foundation for helping to get her mam a personal letter from Klopp and listed off a long line of supporters who chipped in to help Marie’s Wish become a reality

In September, Reds fans helped secure matchday tickets, the use of a wheelchair, a carer, and a weekend itinerary in Merseyside, with the D15 supporters club prominent in their support.

Thanks to the Liverpool Foundation, Marie also met Jamie Carragher, Ian Rush, and Gary McAllister.