A FOOTBALL mad teenager who had brain cancer from Cirencester saw one of his dreams come true when he scored a goal as part of the half-time entertainment at this year’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

Lifelong Manchester United fan Edward Simpson, aged 14, has challenged himself to take 100 kicks at 100 different locations to raise £100,000 for Brain Tumour Research. 

He was inspired to take on this challenge after being diagnosed with an aggressive, grade four brain cancer, when he was just 11. 

The family were shocked to learn that brain cancer is now the number one cancer killer of children and adults under 40, yet receive only 1% of the national spend on cancer research.

Edward was determined to do something to help.  

The teenager used to play for Tetbury Town Youth Football Club and mum Anne said he has been interested in football ever since he took his first steps.

Anne also said that football helped Edward immensely through difficult long hospital stays and it became an important conversation point for him with doctors, nurses, friends and family members and kept Edward in touch with the outside world.  

Football has also been the driving force propelling Edward's rehabilitation as he was desperate to get back onto the pitch. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Edward scoring a penalty at the FA Cup in Wembley Stadium Edward scoring a penalty at the FA Cup in Wembley Stadium (Image: Anne Simpson)

Edward took the 70th kick of his campaign in front more than 83,000 people at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, June 3.

His penalty kick past mascot Fred the Red was met with roaring cheers from the crowd.

The teenager also received a message from Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during his Points West interview. 

Following his diagnosis Edward had to undergo multiple operations, radiotherapy and high dose chemotherapy to manage his tumour. 

However, in a bid to help others, Edward launched his '100 strikes at cancer' campaign on the day of his last operation in August 2021.

Edward’s mother, Anne Simpson, said: “Edward has a quiet bravery, he never moans or complains but just gets on with things.

"The Wembley kick was terrifying, but Ed just calmly got on with it!  

"We feel deeply grateful to the FA, Wembley and all of the Man United and Man City Fans.  

"The welcome given to Edward was truly humbling. 

"The whole day was an amazing experience for all of the family."

To find out more about Edward’s campaign visit https://www.100strikesatcancer.org/ or text STRIKE to 70085 to donate £5 to Brain Tumour Research.