A TALENTED Millom footballer and determined young lad who deals with a lifelong medical condition was in awe when he met his Manchester United heroes.

Jack Mossop, who has nephrotic syndrome which affects his kidneys, was amazed to meet the stars of Manchester United during a Dream Day for fans who suffer from serious and life-limiting illnesses.

The 12-year-old and massive Red Devils fan chatted with Manchester United stars, including Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera on the day organised by Manchester United Foundation.

The season tickets holder was also rubbing shoulders with players Michael Carrick, Jesse Lingard, Marouane Fellaini, Ashley Young, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Antonio Valencia, Sergio Romero and Daley Blind at the Aon Training Complex.

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The Millom School student is a goalkeeper who plays for school, Millom AFC juniors and he is also part of the Carlisle United Development Centre set up.

The youngster had been keen to meet his idol, United goalkeeper and Spanish international David de Gea, but the player is injured so was not at the event which also featured the guests watching the first team training session. As his hero was not at the event the club was organising for Jack to received a signed item from the player.

Jack enjoyed getting tips and advice from United's second and third goalkeepers Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira.

Jack's mum Laura Mossop, 36, said: "It really was a dream day for Jack. He was in awe of the players. He started the selfie trend on the day by getting photos with the players. He had a brilliant time. We are so grateful to Manchester United.

"All the players were down to earth and chatted with the kids. They told Jack to stick in and keep going with his football.

"Jack is determined, that's the way we brought him up, he doesn't use his illness to get out of things.

"He's very sport and plays football and rugby."

Jack has been using steroid medication to control his condition since the age of three and had chemotherapy treatment as a youngster to help him. His is doing well, but at times he has suffered from relapses. He is a patient at West Cumberland Hospital, Cumberland Infirmary and Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Mrs Mossop said her son is inspired by sportspeople and retired sports personalities who are fighting medical conditions, such as former Manchester United and England ace, Andrew Cole who recently had a kidney transplant.

Speaking at his first Dream Day since joining Manchester United at the start of the 2016/17 season, Zlatan Ibrahimovic said: “It’s fantastic to meet the children; whatever we do it’s all about the children and I’m happy to see them because they are our supporters. Whether they are having good moments or bad moments, it’s a big occasion for all of us and it makes me happy to see them.”

Star midfielder Paul Pogba said: “When we were kids we all wanted a dream come true so we are doing this for them; we see the smiles on their faces, we are making them happy and that’s what we want to do.”

The Mossop family are supporters of the Nephrotic Syndrome Trust and have raised money for the charity.