Joe's luck rubs off on Swindon Town
11:00am Monday 21st January 2013 in News
Joe Compton
SCHOOLBOY Joe Compton brought some of his luck to the County Ground on Saturday as he got the chance to be mascot during Town’s win over Shrewsbury.
The 11-year-old, who was rushed to hospital after being struck by lightning outside Dorcan Technology College last October, got a tour of the stadium as well as the chance to meet boss Paolo Di Canio before stepping onto the hallowed turf ahead of the game.
There were initially fears the match would be called off, but Joe’s uncle Shane Dean was among about 200 fans who turned out on Friday night to shovel snow off the ground, meaning it could go ahead.
Joe also met with Reds’ goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, who saved a late penalty to deny Shrewsbury a way back into the game, so it seemed some of his incredible luck rubbed off on the team.
Joe, who has been fitted with specialised pressure shorts to help heal his severe burns, said: “It was great, I didn’t think I would ever get the chance to do that. I got to meet Paolo and he signed my lucky shirt.
“It was a really good atmosphere at the game and Town won 2-0 so I was really pleased with that.”
Shane organised for Joe to be a mascot and Kevin Metcalf, of Verelogic, sponsored him after seeing his story in the Adver. Shane said: “Joe loved it and it was a great day out for him.
“He got a load of signatures and was wearing his ‘Lucky’ number one top the club gave him.
“Kevin had contacted me after seeing our last visit to Town when the Adver covered the story. He called me a few days later and said he had read Joe’s story in the Adver and, having a son of a similar age to Joe, that he would really like to do something special for him so we have to thank him.
“We met all the players in the changing room where Joe completed getting his ball fully signed and had photos with each player before we sat down and relaxed in the sponsors’ suite.
“When they read out the five separate mascots in the sponsors’ suite, Joe got a great reception when they announced he was the boy struck by lightning and survived it.
“They were all hoping his luck was going to rub off on the game – and I guess it did.”
