Parents thank Walsall FC for tribute to late daughter

Verity was a huge Walsall FC fan

The parents of an eight-year-old Walsall FC fan who died after being diagnosed with cancer have thanked the club for its support and touching tribute.

Walsall boss Mat Sadler visited Verity Sheldon’s bedside two days before her death and a one-minute applause in her memory was held at the club’s final game of the season on Saturday.

She was diagnosed with a brain tumour after being rushed to hospital in 2022, when her parents noticed her hands were shaking while drinking a glass of milk.

After undergoing surgery and 30 sessions of radiotherapy along with chemotherapy, a second tumour was found the following year and despite more treatment, further smaller tumours appeared.

Money was raised to help give Verity, from Walsall, a trip to Disneyland Paris

"Verity was an amazing little girl – so kind, brave, happy, tenacious, determined, strong, fearless, inspirational, tough, selfless, considerate, funny, and always thought of others first,” her parents Nick and Marie said.

Earlier this month, Verity woke up from a nap and was unable to remember who her mother and father were.

After being rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and subjected to further scans, the family was told nothing more could be done and she was transferred into the care of Acorns Children’s Hospice.

The charity’s staff invited the Saddlers boss to visit Verity after hearing she was a big fan.

Mr Sheldon said: “He was struck with emotion, but it’s something Verity would have loved. She’s been a mascot at Walsall FC before and wanted to be a mascot again.”

During Walsall FC’s away match against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, supporters were asked to remember the eight-year-old by applauding during the eighth minute of the game.

A football shirt emblazoned with Verity’s name and age was also held up on the pitch during the tribute.

Verity’s father added: “We were a bit taken aback by it. It was a beautiful gesture. It’s something that she would absolutely have loved.”

Verity Sheldon enjoyed matchday

Walsall boss Sadler said: “As a parent, that’s the worst thing that could possibly happen so hopefully we were able to give a little bit of comfort at this time.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care across three sites in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester.