A Burnley lad, who is battling cancer, had the birthday of a lifetime after meeting his football heroes.

Hughie Higginson, from Burnley, and his friend Freddie Xavi, from Whalley, celebrated Hughie’s 13th birthday with Burnley FC players.

They spoke to players and even enjoyed a game of crossbar challenge with some of them.

Lancashire Telegraph: Freddie Xavi and Hughie Higginson with Ashley BarnesFreddie Xavi and Hughie Higginson with Ashley Barnes (Image: Sarah Ronnan)

Hughie and Freddie also bumped into manager Vincent Kompany and Clarets legend Dean Marney.

The boys were was invited by Burnley striker Ashley Barnes, fresh off Burnley winning the EFL Championship and promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Freddie’s mum Sarah Ronnan said: “They had an amazing time. All of the players and staff were incredible with the boys making them feel so welcome.

“What an incredible day Hughie and Freddie had celebrating with the squad.

“Huge thank you to Ashley Barnes for inviting them to training for a day they’ll never forget.

Lancashire Telegraph: Freddie Xavi and Hughie Higginson eating lunch with Burnley FC playersFreddie Xavi and Hughie Higginson eating lunch with Burnley FC players (Image: Sarah Ronnan)

“Their day started by having some lunch with the lads. They had chicken salad wraps, broccoli, green beans and asparagus.

“This was followed by granola, fruit and yoghurt, in case you were wondering.”

The boys then enjoyed a tour and later went against the players in a crossbar challenge.

Sarah said: “They then had a full tour of the training ground, a trip to the boot room and a game of table tennis in the first team changing room.

“They met players along the way and got to catch up with manager Vincent Kompany.”

The boys, who have written a book about friendship called ‘Friends Are Amazing’, left Vincent with a signed copy.

Lancashire Telegraph: Hughie Higginson (left) and Freddie Xavi (right) with Burnley FC manager, Vincent Kompany. They are holding their book 'Friends are Amazing' Hughie Higginson (left) and Freddie Xavi (right) with Burnley FC manager, Vincent Kompany. They are holding their book 'Friends are Amazing' (Image: Sarah Ronnan)

Sarah said: “They got to put their boots on and headed out onto the pitch with the players.

“First up was the crossbar challenge and Freddie was the first to hit it.”

A video of Freddie went viral last week after he was seen in tears of celebration at East Lancashire derby, cheering passionately after Manuel Benson’s winning goal.

Hughie was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) in 2020 and began urgent treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Lancashire Telegraph: Hughie Higginson (left) and Freddie Xavi (right) with Dean MarneyHughie Higginson (left) and Freddie Xavi (right) with Dean Marney (Image: Sarah Ronnan)

They stole the nation’s hearts in 2020 after Freddie started a running challenge to raise money for the hospital his best friend Hughie was receiving treatment after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

In 2021, they were even given a Pride of Britain award for raising more than £250,000 Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity and were announced as Good Morning Britain Young Fundraisers.

They are currently undertaking a running challenge together which sees them touring the UK to run 1km around each of the 92 Premier League and English Football League clubs, raising money for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity as well as other oncology wards around the country.

To donate to their fundraiser visit the website at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/freddie-xavi