A football-mad ‘miracle man’ who survived a horrific motorway pile-up a year ago will be treated to exclusive VIP treatment - Premier League style.
Burnley FC public relations manager Darren Bentley read the Observer’s article documenting the amazing recovery of his former work colleague and friend Frank Clayton, of Broad Oak Road, Accrington.
After learning of Frank’s long-lasting injuries, Darren kindly offered him two tickets to Burnley’s final Premier League game of the season, against Tottenham.
The father-of-four was left on a life support machine after an overloaded car transporter smashed at over 50mph into the back of a static line of traffic on the M6 on April 8, 2009.
In the last year he has undergone full facial reconstruction, suffered nerve damage in his right leg, had his tongue sewn back on, and numerous operations on internal injuries.
Frank, who sits on the committee of the Vodkat North West Counties football league, gratefully accepted Darren’s offer and he and his wife Agnes are now looking forward to the May 9 match.
Delighted Frank, 63, said: "It came as a pleasant surprise and knowing Darren it was typical of him.
"We used to work together at TML for about three years. As a football official I like to stay neutral, but football has been my number one interest all my life."
The Clarets, whose relegation was confirmed by Sunday’s defeat to Liverpool, will treat Frank and Agnes to a car parking pass, two seats in the 1882 Lounge with a pre-match meal and seats in the VIP area of the ground to watch the game.
Frank thanked the club for its hospitality, adding: "I’m sorry they’ve been relegated and I wish them well for the future. I was very impressed with the way they played that game for Accrington Stanley."
