A young Liam Gallagher fan from East Lancashire, who has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for cancer charities, has been given tickets to tonight’s Blackburn charity gig.

Hughie Higginson, from Burnley, was surprised with tickets on a local radio show this morning.

He was given the tickets to celebrate both his 12th birthday and also in recognition of the fundraising he has undertaken for cancer charities.

Lancashire Telegraph: Hughie Higginson dressed as Liam GallagherHughie Higginson dressed as Liam Gallagher

Speaking to Hughie on the radio show, presenter Graham Liver said: “You [and your dad] tried to get tickets for the ballot like the world and his wife – were you successful?"

“No, unfortunately we weren’t,” said Hughie.

“It would have been so good if we could have gone. We both love Liam Gallagher and dad does the odd impression of him.

“We always listen to his songs in the car – he’s just a good singer isn’t he?”

Graham asked if Hughie was doing anything special for his birthday today before giving him the good news.

Graham said: “You can’t go out for tea [for your birthday] – well if you do you have to do it a little earlier because you and your dad are going to King George’s Hall tonight to see Liam Gallagher.”

“What!? Are you joking? Are we actually? Oh my God,” said Hughie. “Thanks so much Graham – I can’t believe it.”

Graham replied: “You and your dad are going, tonight, to see Liam Gallagher, in the intimate venue of King George’s Hall in Blackburn.

“On your 12th birthday you are going to see Liam Gallagher, live, tonight.

“Thank you for everything you do, you and Freddie, the stuff you do is brilliant. We will see you and your dad tonight.”

Hughie’s dad said he has been a fan of Liam’s for many years now. He even dressed up as the singer and sang one of his songs, Wall of Glass, at a theatre school.

 

 

Dad Keiron said: “It’s Hughie’s 12th birthday today and he’s just had the biggest surprise from Graham Liver live on BBC Lancashire.

“He’s off to see Liam Gallagher tonight. Aged 7, before he was poorly, he sang a bit of Wall of Glass, Gallagher style. He’s so excited he’s gone to school in shock.”

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

Hughie, along with his friend, Freddie Xavi, has raised hundreds of thousands for charity over the last two years.

In 2021, they were even given a Pride of Britain award for raising more than £200,000 Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity and were announced as Good Morning Britain Young Fundraisers.

Lancashire Telegraph: Hughie and Freddie at Blackburn's Ewood Park. (Photo: Keiron Higginson)Hughie and Freddie at Blackburn's Ewood Park. (Photo: Keiron Higginson)

They are currently undertaking a running challenge together which will see them tour the UK to run 1km around 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.

Liam Gallagher will be performing at King George’s Hall this evening and Hughie, as well as dad, Keiron, will be two of just 2,200 lucky people who were able to get tickets.

The Britpop legend announced a new collaboration with Darwen man and his good friend, Gary Aspden – the founder and creator of the iconic adidas ‘Spezial’ trainers.

The gig is to celebrate their partnership before he embarks on his stadium tours and prior to the release of his third solo album in May.

Tickets for the event were allocated via a ballot and those lucky enough to be selected were asked make a £20 donation per ticket, with all proceeds going to Blackburn-based homeless charity Nightsafe.