A teenager awaiting a lifesaving heart and lung transplant will see his dreams come true when he meets his footballing heroes.

Brett Higgins and nine pals will celebrate his 16th birthday as VIP guests at Southend United's game against Norwich on Friday.

They will be treated like stars for the day and have the chance to meet all their favourite players thanks to Southend chairman John Main.

The Blues boss has already handed over a very special Arsenal pennant as an extra gift to Brett, who has defied the odds to survive into his teenage years with a rare heart condition.

Brett, of Malgraves, Pitsea, said: "I support Arsenal and I like Southend United. I'm really looking forward to going to the match."

The treats were organised by the Firefighters' Benevolent Fund, which has been in touch with Brett since his fireman dad Martin died in a road accident six years ago.

Brett's mum Tina contacted the organisation to see if something special could be arranged for his birthday.

Firefighter Bryan Mansfield, the fund's Basildon representative, stepped in and contacted John Main.

Mr Main not only organised the Southend tickets but also used his football contacts to get the Arsenal pennant, which Brett now treasures.

The chairman's assistant Michaela Smith, said: "Brett will be the guest of the chairman when he comes to the club for the Norwich game.

"We will try to make it an extremely special day for him and it's the least we can do."

Tina, 35, said she was very grateful to both Mr Mansfield, who attended her son's birthday party last week with other firefighters, and Mr Main for organising the treats.

She is waiting to hear when Brett will have to go into hospital for the double transplant.

The youngster was born with the chambers of his heart the wrong way round and has spent his life in and out of hospital.

It was hoped a major operation at 13 would cure his problems but he later had to have a pacemaker fitted and now needs the transplant to save his life.

Tina said: "One in 80,000 children is born with this condition but they usually die at birth or by the age of ten.

"The specialists are now getting together to see what else they can do for Brett before the transplant because we know that once that is done he will only have about five years left."

Brett, whose main symptom is shortness of breath, said: "I am bothered about the transplant but I know I have to have it and I can't change that."

The smile says it all - brave Brett Higgins shows off his Arsenal pennant and VIP Southend United tickets at Basildon Fire Station

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

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