Friday 23 September 2011

The Becks a Man Can Get.



I've just finished a seven day shift and feel like a bag of smashed crabs. I need an uplifting story to cheer me up so how about this one.


I was talking to a friend of mine recently and he recounted this tale told to him by a work colleague (who I'll call Trevor as I can't remember his real name).

A few years ago Trevor went to the Trafford Shopping Centre in Manchester with his wife and son (who I'll call Daniel for the above reason).


It was Daniel's 9th birthday and he wanted a Manchester United home kit and had been given enough gift vouchers to buy one. Now parking at the Trafford Centre is abysmal and after trolling around looking for a spot with an increasingly bored kid kicking the back of his seat Trevor told his wife and kid to get out and go shopping without him. He would continue looking for a space and meet them outside Woolworths in an hour.

This would give Trev time to park the car, get a cup of coffee and a quick read of the paper beofere the ensuing boredon of shopping for somebody else's benefit.

Eventually Trev got parked and was making his way through the car park when he noticed some men geting out of a black SUV.

Two of them were big lads who looked like personal security but there was no mistaking the third man. David Beckham, at the time still a midfielder for Manchester United.

Not wanting to miss a golden opportunity, Trevor walked over and introduced himself and explained that his son was a huge Manchester United fan and asked for an autograph.

Beckham obliged and even supplied the pen and paper while Trevor, being a bit starstruck, babbled away that he was meeting his wife and son in 40 minutes outside Woolworths.

Trev thanked Becks profusely and went for his coffee, thrilled about being able to give his son Beckham's autograph.



He met them outside Woolworths and was just about to tell them what had happened when they heard a voice behind them say, "Excuse me, is your name Daniel"?

They all turned around and there stood Beckham with a carrier bag in his hand. All the blood ran out of Daniel's face and he just stared.

"I've heard it's your birthday and I'd like to give you these. Happy Birthday".

And so for his ninth birthday young Daniel got a Manchester United strip, a football and a card all signed by David Beckham along with a memory that will stay with him for the rest of his life.

Well, I don't know about you but that cheers me right up.


41 comments:

Crazy Life of a Writing Mom said...

That is such an awesome story! What a wonderful thing for him to do. Some people just make me smile--thanks ;)

Al Penwasser said...

How cool is that?
I wonder how many American football players would do that?
None.
Except maybe kickers and punters.

Outcast said...

Great story buddy, it's honestly cheered me up a lot. I've always, always knew that Beckham is a genuine lovely guy in real life and this just confirms it for me. Thanks for sharing this, Beckham's a character all sports stars should inspire to be like. For someone to become so huge but still be so genuine and down to earth is huge nowadays.

Baiba said...

wow, this is such an awesome storry! it sure did cheer me up! what a nice thing to do :)

thanks for sharing this =]

that guy said...

Beckham shows there is still some class in paid athletes!

very cheered up!

and as Al said, there are not many 'American rules footballers that would oblige. unless you were at a titty bar...i hear that is where they all hang out...they may sign your arse...

thanks again and stop doing that work thing for 7 straight...NOT COOL!

Tony Van Helsing said...

Elisabeth: It give me faith in people.

Al: Very cool.

Yeamie: I like the fact that there was no benefit for himself, just a decent thing to do.

Baiba: Anytime.

Bruce: 7 day shifts is what I'm paid for, and thanks for using the British spelling of ass.

dirtycowgirl said...

I still think he sounds like a girl though.

But great story.

D4 said...

I think that'd put a smile on just about anyone's face. Love those stories.

Belle said...

What a great story! He has a big heart.

Stina said...

Oh, wow! I have a new respect for the dude. What a sweet story. :D

Dylanthulhu said...

That's awesome. :) Not all famous people are assholes. This reminds me of when I met MC Lars. He was just as happy to be meeting a fan that thought as much of him as I did as I was to meet him. Some people are just awesome.

SkippyMom said...

This gave me goosebumps! YAY for Mr. Beckham. Completely awesome star!

Bushman said...

Good story! I once had the same thing happen to me only it was my own Mom and it was three days late. Wait a minute....

Jase said...

A really very interesting read! I hope you keep updating us with more info!

Tony Van Helsing said...

Dirty: He is a bit high pitched.

D4: Works for me.

Belle: He's got a big bank account as well.

Stina: So have I.

Dylan: It's refreshing to hear nice celebratory stories.

Skippy: Yay Becks.

Bushman: Heartwarming stuff.

Jason: I plan to.

Bob said...

Almost too cool for me to believe it. :)

Bart said...

does this guy still play soccer?

MRanthrope said...

nice story. I'm not much of a soccer fan but Beckham seems like a genuinely nice dude.

Vapid Vixen said...

Oh my gosh!!!! I don't know anything about him other than his name and that he plays soccer or football or whatever it's called, but how SWEET of him to take the time for a little boys birthday. I loved this post.

Samantha VĂ©rant said...

And here I thought Beckham was just another pretty face. Very cool!

Sarah said...

That's amazing! Why can't these things happen to me? I turned nine once too... :(

Anonymous said...

Oh, I hope it's true.

Anonymous said...

That's...What? No, I just got something in my eye. If that's true, it's awesome.

Hannah {Culture Connoisseur} said...

I would not have pegged him for a nice guy.

Rob Forget said...

Great story! +followed, come check my blog out when you get the chance! http://mightyideas.blogspot.com

Tony Van Helsing said...

Bob: It does have an element of urban myth however my mate swears by Trevor's impeccability.

Bart: Last I heard he was playing for L.A. Galaxy.

MRanthrope: He certainly does.

Vapid: Now you know a bit more about him.

Sarah: Would you have wanted a football kit?

Alta: I've known my friend for 40 years and trust him implicitly so I reckon it is true.

Joshua: Nothing wrong with manly tears.

Hannah: Maybe he is evil the rest of the time.

Rob: Thanks, on my way over.

Electric Addict said...

wow what an experience! he'll never forget that day haha

Pearl said...

Cheers me up as well! Sounds like a smart man who knows which side of his bread is buttered, as my Grandma used to say...

Pearl

Pat Hatt said...

That is such a great story, nice to know there are still some people with their fame that don't let it all go to there head.

Adam said...

awesome story

Life, Liberty and Accountability said...

that would be pretty sick

Damon said...

great story :P

my day in a sentence said...

Just wow. If that really happened, huge kudos to Becks. :)

Tony Van Helsing said...

Electric: I bet he didn't.

Pearl: Too true, don't forget your fans.

Pat: My sentiments exactly, I was expecting you to rhyme, though.

Kid: Sick in a good way.

Damon: Thanks.

My day: My mate reckons it's true and we've been friends for 40 years so if he says it is that's good enough for me.

Ixy said...

That put a smile on my face alright. Everywhere you look people are being nasty to each other, and it's always refreshing to hear a story like this - thanks for sharing it.

A bag of smashed crabs, eh? That certainly made a vivid mental picture.

Come At Me Bro said...

This is great!

bandit said...

Man United fan since the 90's - who says all Americans are gits?!

Amy said...

Glad you got the cheer up you needed! Too much work has a way of sucking the life out of you, unless you are doing what you love, which isn't but a handful of people. Apparently, Beckham is one of those people. Great story!

Tony Van Helsing said...

Ixy: We need more acts like this.

Come at Me: Yes it is.

bandit: I'm a Halifax Town man myself.

Amy: Thanks, nice to hear from you.

Janie Junebug said...

How lovely! I thought maybe he was the grouchy type because Posh Spice always looks constipated with unhappiness.

Love,
Lola

Britta said...

I love that! It is so good to see that people who are famous just remain human - and a very, very kind human he must be, David B.! (I won't mention beautiful here :-) To be able to concentrate on another person, imagine how a kid might feel: that is really great!