Featured image via Twitter
There are times in life when footballing rivalry just doesn't matter any more. Manchester United fan Dennis Hilton wonderfully put all tribalism aside when he got a Manchester City tattoo all in aid of charity and to raise funds for his best friend's son who has been diagnosed with leukemia.
Hilton from Manchester, yes United fans from Manchester, who'd have thought, has supported the Red Devils all his life and followed them around Europe to support them but didn't hesitate to get the badge of his team's rivals tattooed on his leg in order to raise funds for charity 'Ben's Wish' which is raising funds for 10 year old Ben Robinson.
Talking to the Manchester Evening News about his tattoo, which has so far raised £3000 for 'Ben's Wish' the 42 year old United fan said:
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"Me and Paul [Ben's dad] have been very close friends for years and Ben's diagnosis so hit us hard.
"I wanted to do my bit and came up with the idea after I'd been to the pub and had a few drinks, which probably helped. But I told Paul straight away and was never going to go back on my word.
"Obviously, being a red you naturally don't like City and me and Paul have had banter for years.
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"But at the end of the day some things are more important than football.
"If you're going to put football rivalries over a sick little boy's life then you need to have a look at yourself.
Ben's dad, Paul Robinson, told the M.E.N what his friend's fundraising meant to him adding:
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"To say I was shocked is a huge understatement.
"What an unbelievable gesture.
"He's such a massive red and is covered in United tattoos.
"And knowing how much United means to him also says so much about he feels about me and my son.
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"Both ourselves and Ben have been blown away by the all support we've had and we can't thank people enough."
City fan Ben was diagnosed with leukemia in March and is currently going through intensive chemotherapy. Ben also suffers from cystic fibrosis and uses a wheelchair. The youngster told his family that when he recovers he'd like to go on holiday to Jamaica, clever kid, and Leigh Centurion player Dayne Weston set up the charity Ben's Wish to help raise funds to make sure that could happen.
For more information about the charity or to donate visit @Bens_Wish on Twitter or email benswish@hotmail.com
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