93-year-old Newcastle United fan surprised with message from legend Alan Shearer after coronavirus battle
Video report by ITV News North of England correspondent Damon Green
A 93-year-old woman who recently recovered from coronavirus has experienced the joy of her favourite football team winning and a little extra surprise too.
Newcastle United fan Mary Waller was filmed celebrating her team's June 21 win back at home after being hospitalised with Covid-19.
Her granddaughter, Kavina Burden, recorded the moment and posted it online to the joy of hundreds of thousands of viewers.
Watch the moment Mary was shown her video surprise
ITV News' North of England correspondent Damon Green spoke to Mary, from Rotherham, about how much the return of professional football helped her recovery.
Her family told ITV News it was "wonderful for us to bond over football after everything that's happened".
Now Mary's favourite player, Alan Shearer, has surprised the 93-year-old after a request from ITV News.
In the video, Newcastle legend Shearer sent his best wishes and thanks to Mary.
He said: "Hi Mary, I know you haven’t been too well of late so it’s brilliant to see you’ve made a full recovery and even better, seeing you celebrate the way you did over Newcastle’s victory on Sunday.
"Maybe you can do the same this evening if we beat Aston Villa.
"I know you’re a huge fan so let’s hope we can get another 3 points tonight. Stay well and lovely seeing you so well, thank you."