Anyone remember his granddad?

08Feb2001 UK: Football prospect defies illness. By Adrian Worsley.

WHEN Joe Hughes runs on to the football pitch, there is little sign of the illness that has blighted his life.

Since the age of four, he's been living with cystic fibrosis - a disease that can stunt growth, leave sufferers gasping for air and makes exercise almost impossible.

But Joe has also been given a gift that was passed on from his grandfather, an outside right for Newcastle United 40 years ago. Last season, nine-year-old Joe bagged 60 goals for his team - a feat that defies medical opinion.

His proud mother, Joy Hughes, of Meadow Drive, Chester-le-Street, said: "He got 60 goals last season and he's probably going to beat that this season. His hero is Alan Shearer and he's very much in that mould - an old-fashioned centre forward.

"Despite his cystic fibrosis though, the other players and coaches don't give him any special treatment. If he misses a chance, or plays badly, they'll have a go at him.

"But I don't think a professional club would ever take him on. He could be ill at any moment.

"He doesn't listen when we tell him he can't be a footballer, although it breaks our heart to tell him that. You can't stop someone who is so determined."

The Cestria Primary School youngster plays for the City of Durham Bees under-10 team, who had a great season last year.

Their star player does not want any special treatment, although at half-time he does need salt tablets, instead of oranges, and at home he has to have physiotherapy twice a day, and regular doses of antibiotics.

Joe's biggest fan is his grandfather, Gordon Hughes, who played for the Magpies between 1956 and 1963, and who stands on the touch-line to cheer on the youngster.

He is proud that Joe does not let his condition affect his enjoyment of football, or ability to play.

He said: "He is exceptional. He is a strong little lad, and good with either feet from in or outside the box.

"Joe is a smashing lad, who never lets cystic fibrosis get the better of him.

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001

Answers

Puts all our p*ssing and moaning into true perspective!

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001

"Puts all our p*ssing and moaning into true perspective! "

I don't know, cystitis can be a real bugger ;-)

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001

So he could get sick any moment, but plays his heart out when fit? Sounds perfect for us! Bet he'd be in the side more often than our endless list of crocks. ;-))

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001

Good luck to the lad.

But 'Joe's biggest fan is his grandfather, Gordon Hughes, who played for the Magpies between 1956 and 1963' certainly brought a tear to my eye - I think it was me eye.

His one moment of fame was giving Bill Foulkes (I think) the run around first time he played - looked a world beater in that game but caught the Mag germ straight away and never looked as good again.

Used to tear down the wing like a man posessed to howls of "Open the gates - he might slow down by the time he gets to the Central".

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001

My Niece has cystic fibrosis. Her parents were told that she was unlikely to live to be a teenager, then they were told that she would be lucky to see her twentyeth birthday. There is no cure for this horrible disease but there have been great steps forward in helping suffers cope with it. She does get very ill at times and spends a lot of time in either Carlisle or Newcastle hospitals. She's now 25

She was in Hospital throughout xmas this year, yes she was ill, but the main reason for her being there was that she was having a baby. Mother and young Aaron are doing fine (his dads a toon fan).

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001

That's an inspirational story Rik.
Cystic fibrosis is a disease for which there are drugs under development that offer hopes of an effective treatment for the first time - it is a truly awful disease.

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001

Thanks for the E mail Alan

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001

Pit Bill - Used to tear down the wing like a man posessed to howls of "Open the gates - he might slow down by the time he gets to the Central". Brilliant. Thanks for that. Rik - what a lovely story.

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001