Manchester United star Luke Shaw sent a caring letter to an Irish supporter, congratulating him on the birth of his son soon after a tragic loss.
Last year Tipperary man Steve de Korte and his fiancée Sarah lost their baby daughter Ava, who was born prematurely and died six weeks after her birth.
@LukeShaw23 thanks so much for your awesome letter , you are an absolute legend m8 #Lukeisared @FullTimeDEVILS 🔴⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/dBp0f0ZYya
— Steve MUFC (@Willstev) July 15, 2016
The couple were overjoyed after the birth of their son Luke in May and stunned when they received a warm and compassionate letter of congratulations from Shaw.
‘When our daughter was born, my brother Will sent a letter to the club,” Steve told the Irish Independent. “We are of Dutch descent and Louis van Gaal was still in charge.
“Will sent a letter explaining what happened. Ava was born 17 weeks early and to be honest nobody ever thought we would hear anything back.
“The one day we got a letter from Louis van Gaal wishing us well. We were going through hell, living up in Dublin and in Holles Street every night, but it did help us a bit. I am a die-hard United fan so to receive a letter like that was very special.”
@LukeShaw3 hey Luke you forgot this picture ;) happy new year #GGMU @ManUtd @SirAlexWay @ManUtdUpdates_ pic.twitter.com/rMedcPBQdC
— Steve MUFC (@Willstev) December 31, 2014
The family emailed the club after Luke was born but the letter in response came as a total surprise.
The footballer wrote: “The last year or so has obviously been very difficult for you both after the sad passing of Ava. I have no doubt that you will ensure Ava’s memory will live on and you will always remember the short time you spent together with your wonderful daughter.
“A big welcome to Luke, who I am sure has given you lots of strength and focus at this time. I am pleased to see that he is already wearing the colours of his favourite team.”
@ImGHTT @LouMacari10 little Luke 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/BvIm74kOrb
— Steve MUFC (@Willstev) May 31, 2016
The family were touched by the caring tone and time taken to write such a sensitive message.
“When I read the letter, you can tell it is heartfelt,” Steve said. “There was nice words in it and it meant a lot, the fact that he acknowledged our little girl meant a lot.”
After being the beneficiary of a classy gesture like that, baby Luke will surely grow up to be another devoted Red Devil.
