A superhero fan from Whitley Bay who is recovering from open-heart surgery is "over the moon" after Marvel Studios invited him down to London to watch some filming.
Ivan Hollingsworth's son Seb, 13, who was born with a congenital heart condition, underwent the surgery on July 11 at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. While he was still in hospital, Ivan put out a plea on social media to see whether any Marvel superheroes could send a message to his own hero son.
And the family was left stunned after Deadpool's Ryan Reynolds sent a sweet video to Seb wishing him well in his recovery. But that was only the start as news of brave Seb's battle spread and soon enough more Marvel actors including Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Hemsworth, Brie Larson, and Mark Ruffalo sent their well wishes.
Now Seb has been surprised with a package full of goodies from Marvel Studios along with an open invitation to come along to its studios in London to watch some filming. Seb was pictured with a beaming smile on his face in front of some of the treats he received including Marvel lego and merchandise.
His dad Ivan, 47, said Seb is "over the moon" and has "the biggest smile on his face". He said: "I heard whispers that something was happening as a person who found out about our story is involved in Marvel Studios and was trying to sort some stuff out.
"He told me not to say anything and to keep quiet about it for now and then a package came through from California and I thought it can only be one thing. We are all absolutely buzzing, it's just incredible. Seb is very overwhelmed, two weeks ago he was in theatre now he's sitting there with all this stuff and all these messages from Marvel superheroes.
"Seb is a budding actor and he's been part of the youth theatre at the Theatre Royal since the pandemic. That's what he wants to do in the future so the fact that he's going to the studios is amazing. It's any kid's dream, if I was his age that would be my dream but it's just incredible that he gets to experience something that he feels so passionate about.
"This whole thing has been absolutely incredible, Seb is buzzing, he's over the moon and he has the biggest smile on his face. We just can't believe all of this has happened."
Seb was born with a congenital heart condition and underwent lifesaving surgery at just 16 weeks old. He had further surgery on Monday, July 11, with the same doctor, Mr Asif Hasan, carrying out the procedure.
In his video message, Mr Reynolds told Seb he was "doing amazing" and he was "super proud" of him while Samuel L. Jackson, who plays Nick Fury, said: "Assemble!! Speedy recovery wishes."
Mark Ruffalo, who plays the Hulk said: "I think we have some competition for the strongest Avenger, @chrishemsworth. Get well soon, Seb!" To which Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor, replied: "The strongest Avenger by far. You are my heart hero, Seb. #HeartHeroSeb"
Brie Larson, who plays Captain Marvel, also replied. She said: "Seb, welcome to The Avengers [love] Captain Marvel."
Read next:
- Whitley Bay Marvel superfan recovering from open- heart surgery gets video message from Ryan Reynolds
- 'I still can't believe it's real': Cheryl joins Girls Aloud bandmates at Race for Life in tribute to Sarah Harding
- Tributes to 'inspirational' Gateshead mum who died of lung cancer aged 50 despite never smoking
- Tears flow as mourners pay their respects to 'true family man' Aaron Morris
- Denise Welch opens up on how dad's death 'inspired her to carry on tradition' of living life to the full
