Do YOU know Joe? Football team's desperate search for 6-year-old superfan
A UK football club is trying to track down a dedicated six-year-old fan who sent 50 cents in a letter to his favourite player.
The boy, known only as Joe, wrote to Swindon Town FC in a touching note, explaining his love for the football club and the devastating reason why he cannot attend a football game in person.
The note reads, "Mummy doesn't have any money to come to Swindon games because she has no money for food and has to pay for my dinner at school."
"I like Swindon Town Harry McKirdy. I will come one day."
Joe then attached three coins, a 20p, 5p and 1p, to the note and singed his name and age of "6 1/2".
After receiving the note, the football club shared a photo of it on Twitter in a bid to track down Joe so they can get in touch with him.
📢 | We have received this letter from Town fan Joe, aged 6 and a half.
We'd really love to get in touch with Joe, but we don't have a return address.
If anyone recognises the writing or thinks they know who Joe is, please email supporters@swindontownfc.co.uk#STFC 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/JFgLgNm2Lz— Swindon Town FC (@Official_STFC) February 15, 2022
The post has since received thousands of likes and comments in support of Joe and his mother.
One social media user said, "I can see there are lots of offers here for Joe and his mum to come to a game. So if you manage to find Joe I'd like to pay for a weeks worth of food shopping for them. Please keep us informed."
A JustGiving page has been launched by a likeminded football fan to help find Joe and get him to Swindon for a game.
The page reads, "Swindon Town FC have been contacted by a young boy called Joe who unfortunately doesn't have the privileges of being able to attend football matches!"
"This is where football comes together. Lets all get together and fund for Joe & his family to attend a game & for Joe to be mascot for the day giving him an experience for life!"
The page has already raised over $12,000 AUD, with all proceeds going to Joe and his family once they are found.
As well as the kindness from these football-loving strangers, the Swindon Town FC tweeted a message saying Joe's letter prompted them to join forces with a local food bank to help their community.
Image credits: Twitter @Official_STFC