Sheffield Wednesday Fan, 10, Defies Doctors to Lead Team Out vs. Charlton

A 10-year-old Sheffield Wednesday fan who was told he would never walk again defied doctors and led his team out at Hillsborough on Saturday.

Joe Danforth was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome but has now gone viral after walking out of the tunnel with captain Glenn Loovens before the Owls' 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic:

“Joe is profoundly deaf, vision impaired and he has had multiple operations, three lifesaving, including heart surgery," Joe's mother Nichola told the Star. "He can’t speak. All he loves is his football...and he has a passion for letters and numbers."

Joe and his family are season-ticket holders, and Sheffield Wednesday currently sit inside the Championship play-off places.

His mother got in touch with the club to share his story, and the Owls were happy to offer him the opportunity to walk out with the side.

“We were absolutely bursting with pride, me and his sister were in the grandstand watching him whilst his dad was pitchside," Nichola said.

"Dad says he has never felt prouder than to see his little boy lead out his favorite team, and says he had a lump in his throat...but didn’t cry because he’s a man!"

[Star, h/t 101 Great Goals]