Tonight’s match between the Qantas Socceroos and Japan will be about more than just football, it will be a celebration of overcoming the odds, especially at the coin toss.
Tonight-s match between the Qantas Socceroos and Japan will be about more than just football, it will be a celebration of overcoming the odds, especially at the coin toss.
10-year-old Aiden Brown from Perth, West Australia will be doing the honours and will also be hoping to meet some of his heroes after what has been a harrowing three years.
Three years ago Aiden was on his deathbed battling severe viral pneumonia, which affected his circulation. Doctors told his parents that his chances of survival were slim.
He miraculously pulled through, but weeks after he regained consciousness his blackened and blood-starved feet and seven fingers had to be amputated.
Since then Aiden has been nominated in the Child of Courage category in the Pride of Australia awards for the overwhelming determination and bravery he has shown.
He spent month after month with his dad in the back yard of their South Guildford home learning to run and kick using his prosthetic limbs.
Aiden has since signed up with junior soccer team Perth Strikers and has yet to miss a game.
"I haven't scored a goal yet, but it will be great when I do," Aiden said. "I am just like one of the other kids now. It's fun, but it did take me ages learning to use my new feet."
His ultimate goal is to represent his country as a sportsman. "I want to be Australia's soccer goalie," he said.
His mother said she felt incredibly proud.
"I didn't think he would be able to play guitar or soccer like normal kids, but he has proven that having a disability is not really an obstacle," she said.
"Where there is a will, there is way. Aiden is an example to us all. He has accepted what has happened and will probably realise a bit more as he grows. But he is determined not to miss out.
Image courtsey of Theo Fakos