Martin Hibbert, who was left paralysed after the Manchester Arena bombing, was surprised by Manchester United stars who gifted him a signed first team shirt on BBC Breakfast this morning (Thursday 18 May).
The dad, who was 'lucky to be alive' after the horrific attack in May 2017, will be climbing the highest mountain in Africa in June to raise money for people with spinal injuries. Live from Old Trafford, Martin, from Bolton, was surprised by Man United star Wes Brown who presented him with the gift.
"You're doing a great thing, we hope it all goes well and we're all wishing you the best," he told Martin. "We're all behind you on everything you're trying to do," he added. Martin, a United supporter for 'many years,' thanked the former defender and said: "I'm a bit overwhelmed!"
He also received a special montage featuring messages of support from former goalie Peter Schmeichel, midfielder Bruno Fernandes and technical director Darren Fletcher. Wishing Martin luck of his feat, Schmeichel added: "It's amazing what you've achieved since the Manchester bombing and also it's amazing that a Manchester United fan is doing such amazing things."
Fernandes said: "Good luck Martin, we are right behind you. All the best for you." Meanwhile Fletcher thanked Martin for his 'incredible support' over the years, adding: "Now on behalf of the team, I'd like to wish you good luck on your inspirational challenge this summer. Everyone is right behind you."
The 45-year-old was with his teenage daughter Eve on the night of the Manchester Arena bombing. He suffered injuries compared to ‘being shot 22 times at point blank range’ after the bombing almost five years ago. He also sustained damage to his spinal cord which left him paralysed from the navel down, and was warned that he might never walk again.
But thanks to a radical therapy programme in Australia, which ‘retrained his brain’ to bypass the damaged nerves, Martin has made incredible progress. Now, he will be scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, with a support team including Stuart Wildman, a consultant nurse who cared for Martin in the Major Trauma Unit of Salford Royal hospital.
Martin hopes to raise a million pounds for the Spinal Cord Association.
