The generous and caring nature of Sir Tom Finney and Charlie Wayman has been highlighted with the unearthing of a rare photo showcasing their community work.
The community work of the club and the Community and Education Trust has been well highlighted of late, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but that sense of community spirit has long been a hallmark of the club’s history.
David Mason was visited by Sir Tom and Charlie at his home, alongside Lincoln City players Jerry Lowery and Andy Graver, on the eve of the two sides’ FA Cup fourth round tie, hosted by the Imps in January 1954.
At just 13-years-old, David was unable to attend the game, as he was sadly suffering from bone cancer, and it was sadly less than two weeks after the visit that he tragically passed away; just six days before his 14th birthday.
Recalling the visit, however, David’s brother Pete Mason noted how the kindness of both sets of players has been forever cherished by his family – although, at just four-years-old at the time, he was too young to remember the star-studded meeting himself.
“It's fair to say that the look on his [David’s] face when his bedroom door opened is indescribable,” said Pete.
“The story made the local press and I have, in pride of place, the photograph of Sir Tom signing his autograph in my brother's book, which I still have.”
“The visit is a treasured moment and something my parents cherished for the rest of their lives. They remained forever thankful for the time and effort put in by so many people.
“Whatever Sir Tom and Charlie achieved on the playing field, nothing would surpass what they did for my brother and parents that evening.”