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Jack Marshall was a 6 year old, brave, spirited kid who lost his battle to cancer. But before he left the material world, he made sure that he left a legacy behind – one of the true spirit of humanity, the joy of giving, and a message that there are bigger things in life than football rivalries. Jack Marshall was a Manchester United fan, but everyone who heard his story across the globe – fellow reds and rivals alike took him to their hearts. Little Jack was diagnosed with brain tumor in March this year, and the doctors had told his family that he had hardly a week to live. But he fought on, defying all odds to live his life – whatever remained of it, to the fullest.
The message Jack Marshall conveyed through his life was simple. No matter which club your loyalties lie with, a good heart is all you need to care. His family used to take him regularly to Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play. On hearing about little Jack’s condition, Rio Ferdinand arranged trips to the Carrington training facility for Jack and his family. Jack met all his favourite players, including Chicharito, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand. But the moment of his life was when he came face to face with Wayne Rooney. “Guess what? You’re the best footballer in the whooooole world”, he said, and in his mother, Tracey’s words, “…there was not a dry eye in the house”. Jack asked Rooney if he could kiss him, and Wayne Rooney, the “temperamental egoist brat” bent his head before the 5-year old’s innocence.
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Even before the visit, Sir Alex Ferguson had made sure that Jack had a box of United memorabilia waiting for him at his home when he returned from a major operation. Wayne Rooney and other Man Utd players have since worn a “Support Jack Marshall” armband in international matches. Rio Ferdinand, who has never shied away from supporting noble causes was closely associated with Jack’s family till death laid its arms on him.
Rio Ferdinand – Always ready to get stuck in for a noble cause
Another player who associated himself with the Marshalls, so much that he became one of them, was rival club Arsenal‘s Jack Wilshere. Maybe it was because he had lost his uncle to a car crash, maybe it was because he had become a father a fortnight before, or maybe it was just his purity of heart that made Wilshere to show a sense of maturity that defied his age. In this era of scandals and brawls that you’d usually associate with a young football star, here was a man who showed a real sense of care. Hardly a day passed without Wilshere mentioning his little friend on his Twitter account, and he made sure that he visited the Marshalls as much as time allowed him. When he heard that Jack’s brother, Josh was bullied at the local park while playing football, he took it upon himself to go there and kick the ball around with Josh while his bullies looked on in awe. Wilshere also invited the family for Arsenal’s pre-season tournament – the Emirates Cup.
Jack Wilshere with the family
When Jack Marshall and family were invited by Serena Williams to watch her at Wimbledon, Wilshere and his mother spent the afternoon with the family. He also revealed later that his “mum was crying all the way back home.” Wilshere was as much a part of the Marshalls as anyone else. He would visit little Jack and even play a game of football or two on his Playstation.
Jack Marshall and family with Serena Williams
It weren’t just the players who were moved by the story of brave Jack Marshall. Fans across the globe showed their support on various social networking sites. “People have written to us,” Tracey said, “saying that they would never have believed it but they had found themselves wanting United to win because they knew it would make Jack happy.” Oliver Holt, Mirror Football’s leading columnist went to visit the young fan. When he confessed that he used to watch Man City as much as Man Utd, Jack stated with a disarming smile, “I don’t like Manchester City“.
Wolverhampton Wanderers fans took a huge banner with Jack Marshall’s name on it to raise awareness and so that he could see it lying on his bed. Fans and players have since worn the armband to support the cause.
A classy act by Wolves FC fans
Jack Marshall passed away peacefully on 13th October. A message from his family said, “Covered in his beloved Man Utd blanket and snuggled in Tracey’s arms, Jack decided that in true Manchester United fashion ‘he’d do what he wants’ for the final time and passed away peacefully with us, his family, at his side… We are all devastated, but take comfort in the fact that Jack lived life to the full right up to the very end.”
Tributes poured in from celebrities and common fans alike.
@JackWilshere: Sad day, privileged to have known little @Jack_Marshall_ thoughts with his family, will be missed by so many!
@ColeenRoo: Good night godbless. My thoughts and prayers are with all family and friends.
@WayneRooney: So sorry for the loss of little jack. He really touched me and my deepest sympathy is with u all. RIP jack. A true hero.
@rioferdy5: So sorry to hear he passed away, brave kid.
@serenawilliams: I am so happy I met you. Today is sad for me. You were a brave kid. I love u always.
Wayne Rooney wearing the Jack Marshall wristband
RIP Jack Marshall is trending worldwide on Twitter, even after two days of his demise. Jack Marshall showed us that you need not be a largely successful, popular personality to make an impact on others – you only need to have a pure heart. And the hearts that he touched will forever remember the little fan from Scunthorpe who made a difference by means of his courage and sheer will. Most of all, his life serves as a reminder that there are more important things in life than mere rivalries and club loyalties. Even in this age of money and success-driven model of football, it is heartening to see players like Jack Wilshere doing his part to building a better society, when he could have easily looked away.
Perhaps, there is hope for humanity after all.
