WATCH: Wolves dream comes true for Neil thanks to club and Diogo Jota
A terminally ill father had his final wishes come true as a Wolves star delivered a special message and Disneyland was brought to him to surprise his daughter.
Portuguese star Diogo Jota was a surprise addition to an emotional day as Neil Mattocks ticked three targets off his bucket list.
The 43-year-old father-of-two, from Cradley, has been given weeks to live after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Staff at Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge, where he is being cared for, were able to arrange a personal message from Jota, to the delight of Neil and son Ryan, 16, who are both big Wolves fans.
WATCH Diogo Jota records a special message for Neil and his family
There was also a special treat for Neil’s step-daughter Paige who received a visit from two princesses.
It had always been his dream to take his daughter, who is 17 but has learning difficulties, to Disneyland, so the hospice helped bring Disneyland to them in the form of two performers, who took on the form of Rapunzel and Frozen’s Elsa.
Then, Neil and wife Gaye renewed their wedding vows in a touching ceremony in front of family and friends.
Neil was diagnosed with cancer in January last year but was told in December that nothing more could be done with him. He was transferred to the hospice where he is spending his final days.
It has been a desperate time for Gaye, 44, who married Neil in 2016, but she said the surprises meant the family could be happy together one more time.
She said: “We always planned to take Paige to Disneyland before Neil became ill and this was the next best thing.
“She didn’t know a thing about it. She thoroughly enjoyed herself, her face told a million stories.”
In the video message, the Wolves star said: “Hi Neil, it’s Diogo here, you’re friends have told me how brave you are being and how proud they are of you so I just wanted to send you a message to say hello and thank you for your support. Keep fighting and give my love to your family.”
Gaye said: “I thought it was fantastic. He is one of Neil’s favourite players, and Ryan’s. Footballers are really busy and it was personalised which made it more special.”
Gaye wore her wedding dress and Neil, who worked at Servo Steel in Dudley before his illness, donned a suit and tie for the poignant vows renewal.
“It was very emotional. All the staff and family were there,” she said.
The family face a difficult few weeks and Gaye said it was her intention to enjoy the little time they have left.
She said: “I’m not angry now, I’m just trying to press on as much as I can. I don’t know how long we have got, I’m just taking each day as it comes.”
