Lifelong Sky Blues Graham Littlewood missed the 1987 heroics because he was serving in the Falklands
Graham Littlewood and his family
The family of a Coventry City war veteran struck down with cancer are pleading for help in getting him to Wembley.
Graham Littlewood missed the Sky Blues’ 1987 FA Cup victory at Wembley after being sent to the Falklands.
Thirty years later, the 63-year-old may once again miss a
Sky Blues victory, this time in the Checkatrade Trophy Final, unless he can get a box seat at Wembley.
Graham’s blood cancer means he could develop an infection if he’s sat out in the open.
His wife, Hilary, told the Telegraph that the family aren’t looking for charity, but a way to get the dad-of-three to the April 2 match.
She said: “He was in the Falklands so didn’t get to watch the
FA Cup final. He was gutted he had to listen to it on the radio.
“Now he has cancer and is due to have a stem cell transplant. But he couldn’t be in the main stands because of his treatment and the risk of infection and the cold.
“We’re not asking for charity and are willing to chip together somehow, we just don’t know where to start in finding a box.”
Graham, who was born in Coventry, is a life-long fan of the Sky Blues. His son and grandchildren have followed in his footsteps, with his siblings also holding season tickets.
Hilary added: “He was born in Coventry and his family live in Coventry, so he’s been a Coventry City supporter all of his life.
“His son goes to matches and he goes along whenever he can. We did his 60th birthday at the Coventry grounds.”
After the 2-1 semi-final win against Wycombe Wanderers at the
Ricoh Arena, the family have said if Graham can’t enjoy the final at Wembley, then none of them will.
Hilary said: “Graham needs something to look forward to before he starts his stem cell treatment.
“My son text me to say ‘we need to get a box now, mum’. He said he wouldn’t go without his dad. It wouldn’t be right to go without him.”
She added:“It would be amazing. He’s so passionate about Coventry. At the moment he can’t work because of this or do anything, so just to see his face to get him there would be amazing.
“He’s such an amazing man. It just means so much to us to do it all together.”
Coventry City will take on rivals Luton Town or Oxford United at the final in London on April 2.
Between 20,000 and 40,000 tickets could be allocated to the Sky Blues for the spring time clash.
If anyone has any advice or information for the family on how to source a box, please
email Hilary.