Preston North End Fan in South Africa Will Sell a Kidney for Man United Tickets

Updates from Friday, February 13th

It turns out Michael Jackson didn't have to sell his kidney to watch his beloved Preston North End, after all. 

Good on the FA for helping the man who travelled from South Africa for helping him out (and sparing his kidney, potentially). 

When they heard of his story, the Football Association gave Michael and his wife tickets to watch Preston North End battle Manchester United in the FA Cup free of charge. 

"I never thought that anything like this would happen, I feel very honoured and privileged," he told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph (h/t The Mirror). "I am thrilled, I am excited and I am a proud Prestonian. 

"I have fallen in love with Preston all over again." 

Per the same report, an FA spokesperson said that they were excited for Michael and his wife. 

"

We have a campaign this year which is all about the adventures of the FA Cup. 

When we read the article that said Michael would go on a pilgrimage to get to the game we thought that he was going on quite an adventure and wanted to help. 

Once he is in the UK, we will try and get the tickets to him by courier or get the ground ticket office to print off two more tickets for them to pick up.

"

Original Text

A massive, massive Preston North End fan has an unhealthy amount of desire to watch his beloved side face Manchester United in the FA Cup. 

No, really, Michael Jackson (the fan) is willing to sacrifice a kidney to make the fixture on February 16. 

The 52-year-old South African is desperate to make the first FA Cup meeting between the sides since 1972. 

He told the Lancashire Evening Post (h/t 101 Great Goals): 

"

I'd sell a kidney to get a ticket. Someone suggested I should ride a giraffe, I'd do whatever it takes. I'd even swim from Cape Town to the River Ribble. 

It is on TV but I want to be there in person cheering on the Lilywhites. But it is impossible to get a ticket. 

I've put an appeal on Facebook. I have to be at that game—it is a once-in-a-lifetime match and marks a year since Sir Tom Finney died. 

I want to be there and hear the roar from my hometown at Deepdale. If this never happens again in my lifetime and I miss it I will spend years in tears. 

I've followed North End's cup run and I even wrote to the South African newspapers complaining that they don't carry PNE's score in the paper because of the league they are in. I will pay whatever it takes if I have to buy a season ticket I will do. 

"

Per the same report, Jackson studied at Penwortham Priory Academy and spent his teenage years attending matches. 

[101 Great Goals]