A 12-YEAR-old boy who amazed doctors with his recovery from meningitis fulfilled a dream on Saturday as he led his beloved Blackburn Rovers out onto the Ewood Park pitch.

Jordan Hepple, of Hyndburn Drive, Darwen, had filled out an application form to be a mascot three years ago - but was diagnosed with a rare form of meningitis in August 2007. He spent two weeks in intensive care with doctors fearing he would be left brain damaged.

The club’s response to his request was perfectly timed with Jordan, a season ticket holder, now fully enrolled back at St Bede’s School.

He met his favourite player, striker Roque Santa Cruz, as well as a host of first team stars, before warming up with defender Stephen Warnock ahead of the kick off against Sunderland.

And despite the disappointing 2-1 defeat, the experience lived up to his expectations.

Jordan said: “I did stretching with Stephen Warnock, and shook hands with all the Sunderland players. It was fantastic.”

Listeria meningitis occurs mainly in babies, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems, and there are very few cases in the UK.

Jordan has a condition called ulcerative colitism, a disease where inflammation develops in the large intestine and colon. Doctors gave him immune suppressants to treat the condition which is believed to have triggered the meningitis.

Granddad George Howarth, 59, said the youngster had been “awestruck” on his big day on Saturday.

And mum Alison Howarth, 33, added: “It was a brilliant day, after the year he’s had - he only got discharged this time last year.

“He really enjoyed himself.”

Jordan was also recently treated to a dream holiday in the United States by the Destination Florida charity.