A bee-utiful moment: Richmond's Park Lane Stables owner and son celebrate with Brentford FC manager in heart-warming viral photo

By The Editor 17th Aug 2021

Woody O'Rourke went viral over the weekend thanks to a heart-warming photo of his embrace with Brentford FC manage Thomas Frank
Woody O'Rourke went viral over the weekend thanks to a heart-warming photo of his embrace with Brentford FC manage Thomas Frank

The son of Park Lane Stables' owner Natalie O'Rourke made headlines last week after featuring in a heart-warming photo with Brentford FC manager Thomas Frank.

Woody O'Rourke has been a super-fan of Brentford F.C. since attending their first game in 2018.

Woody, who has Down Syndrome, is like family to the club and stays after every match to meet the referee and officials.

He was devastated when crowds were banned from football matches last year due to the pandemic.

It was a long 16-month wait, but finally Woody and mum Natalie were able to see their beloved Bees last Friday (13 August).

BBC show Football Focus showed their journey from Woody's home in Teddington to the stadium, capturing his excitement and the joyful welcome he received from other fans and club members.

It was a magical evening for the pair. Not only did Brentford win the match - putting them at the top of the Premier League - but Woody was singled out by manager Thomas Frank for a hug as the team celebrated.

The heart-warming photo went viral, being retweeted by the likes of Gary Lineker, and is now the cover photo for the Premier League's official account.

Brentford today released a video of their superstar, Woody, and Thomas Frank recorded a special message for him.

Woody's mum, Natalie, is well-known locally as the founder of the beloved Park Lane Stables which is currently based in Petersham temporarily.

Writing in a post on Twitter that evening, Natalie said: "Magical evening all Woodys dreams came true.

"Woods prematch was spent with @BBCSport, look out 4 him on football focus explaining in his own unique non verbal way what @BrentfordFC means 2 him.

"Thank u bees 4 completing him, he doesn't have 1 extra chromosome he has 2, 1 is a Honeybee."

Watch Woody's episode of Football Focus

     

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