A Manchester United fan in Tipperary, Ireland has expressed his delight a receiving a letter from footballer Luke Shaw following the birth of his son, Luke Robert.
Steve de Korte and his fiancée Sarah welcomed their baby boy, Luke Robert in May, but his birth comes after tragedy as the couple lost their baby daughter Ava last year.
Little Ava was born 17 weeks premature and sadly passed away six weeks after her birth. Steve’s brother sent a letter to the team’s then manager Louis van Gaal explaining what had happened.
@ImGHTT @LouMacari10 little Luke pic.twitter.com/BvIm74kOrb
— Steve MUFC (@Willstev) May 31, 2016
Talking to the Irish Independent, Steve said the family was surprised to hear back from the former manager, who wished the family well.
“Will sent a letter explaining what happened. Ava was born 17 weeks early and to be honest nobody ever thought we would hear anything back,” he said.
“The one day we got a letter from Louis van Gaal wishing us well. We were going through hell, living up in Dublin and in Holles Street every night, but it did help us a bit. I am a die-hard United fan so to receive a letter like that was very special.”
Talking about the touching letter Luke Shaw then sent the family following the birth of their second child, Steve said: "When I read the letter, you can tell it is heartfelt. There was nice words in it and it meant a lot, the fact that he acknowledged our little girl meant a lot [sic].”
@LukeShaw23 thanks so much for your awesome letter , you are an absolute legend m8 #Lukeisared @FullTimeDEVILS pic.twitter.com/dBp0f0ZYya
— Steve MUFC (@Willstev) July 15, 2016
Luke’s letter reads:
“The last year or so has obviously been very difficult for you both after the sad passing of Ava. I have no doubt that you will ensure Ava’s memory will live on and you will always remember the short time you spent together with your wonderful daughter.
“A big welcome to Luke, who I am sure has given you lots of strength and focus at this time. I am pleased to see that he is already wearing the colours of his favourite team.”
