Puma helps boy with only two fingers with goalkeeping gloves
Last updated 11/01/2009 12:42:48
Puma helps boy with only two fingers with goalkeeping gloves
Sportswear manufacturers Puma have touched the hearts of the nation with a gesture which has left their rivals gasping.
The British company were approached, along with a number of others, to try and help an eight year old goalkeeper who was born with only two fingers and a thumb on each hand.
Football mad Joseph Pritchard was unable to wear the normal goalkeeping gloves and his dreams of a career in the Premiership – just like every other eight year old – looked to be dead before they could begin.
It wasn't as if he could suddenly switch position and play centre forward as he had part of his leg amputated when a baby and goalkeeping was the only position he could play.
Stepmother Helen emailed several of the leading companies pleading for help and only Puma stepped to the plate – and how!
They emailed back and asked for a sketch of his hands and from there produced their special customised gloves, complete with Joseph's name on the back, just like his hero Edwin van der Sar the Dutch veteran goalkeeper for Manchester United.
Not just one pair but four bespoke pairs were sent to his home along with a captain's armband to the delight of father Darren and his stepmother Helen.
The young Manchester United fan said: 'I am really pleased with them. They are helpful to me because they won't fall off when I am playing football.
'They are also more comfy. The gloves will make it easier for me to play football. They are one of the best presents I've ever had - I really love them.'
Joseph, who has two younger siblings, Jasmine, two-and-a-half years old and not yet into football, and George, eight months old and still deciding, plays with Churchdown Panthers under-eights.
No need to ask him how pleased he is with Puma's gifts – he refuses to take the gloves off and even wears them in the house.
Darren, 36, said: "When he opened the parcel his face lit up and he was glowing and he didn't take them off most of the day, even when he was eating his tea.'
It is not just the spirit of Christmas shown by Puma but the sort of gesture which we see rarely in the money driven game of football.
A true day for all optimists!