A WOODVALE World War II veteran will see his first live Eagles game in more than 20 years after a Facebook post went viral this week.
Walter Cross has been physically unable to see his beloved AFL team since becoming wheelchair bound and giving up his membership to look after his sick wife.
The 94-year-old’s granddaughter posted to Facebook this week asking if anyone had a spare seat in a box with wheelchair access so her pop could have his wish of watching his team at the new Optus Stadium.
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READ NOWThe post received more than 3000 comments and offers for tickets, a signed guernsey by Scott Lycett and transport to and from the game.
Nicola Hunter said she was overwhelmed and shocked by the offers of help from complete strangers, especially Allied Forklifts who offered their four-seater corporate box up for the April game.
“Pop first became a member when the team first started but had to give it up when my nanna was diagnosed with a terminal illness,” she said.
“He watches every game. He calls my mum after every game and tells her where the players should have been put and who should play the next game – he’s an Eagles expert and lives for the team.”
The emotional moment when she told Mr Cross about the tickets was captured on video by a family member.
She said she couldn’t believe how many people commented and offered to help.
“We thought it would be shared by our family and friends, but the post went national and was shared by people as far as Tasmania,” she said.
“He cried when he found out, we all cried – he was completely overwhelmed of how many people cared and wanted to help someone they had never met.
“We read out some of the comments on the post of people thanking him for his service; it was very overwhelming and beautiful. We are so grateful.”
Ms Hunter said he was very excited to see the game with his family.
“He can’t wait,” she said.
“It’s been so long since he’s seen a game and now he will get to see his team live – it will mean so much to him.”
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