Two friends who have raised thousands of pounds for charity met Radio 1 DJ Jordan North, NFL legend J.J Watt and Burnley FC players on Monday (May 8).

Hughie Higginson, from Burnley, and his friend Freddie Xavi, from Whalley, were invited to Turf Moor for the Burnley v Cardiff game.

Radio 1’s Jordan North, who was performing a DJ set ahead of the match, invited Hughie down for his DJ debut as a 13th birthday present.

In a personal birthday message the Clarets supporter said: “Hughie, it’s Jordan. I wanted to leave you a little message to say happy birthday.

“I am currently in the Radio 1 studio at the moment just finished my show.”

Jordan mentioned that he had seen Hughie in tears of joy after Burnley clinched the Sky Bet Championship title against Rovers in April.

He said: “I saw you on the telly the other night doing us all proud, showing your proper, true Claret passion.

“I wanted to wish you a happy 13th birthday. To give you a little present I have been asked to DJ at the Turf for the Cardiff game on Monday, May 8.

“Burnley have asked me to get the crowd going before the game. If you are free I would love for you to come and join me and help me play some tunes on the Turf to get all of the fans going.

“If you and Freddie are free then let me know and we can get you [to perform a DJ set] to thousands of people.”

 

 

Freddie’s mum, Sarah Ronnan, said: “Thank you Jordan North and Burnley F.C. for having Hughie and Freddie be a part of the celebrations. Incredible day, incredible club.”

As well as celebrating their team’s 3-0 victory, Hughie and Freddie were excited to meet some players, including striker Ashley Barnes.

Lancashire Telegraph: Hughie Higginson (left) and Freddie Xavi (right) with Ashley BarnesHughie Higginson (left) and Freddie Xavi (right) with Ashley Barnes (Image: Keiron Higginson)

The boys also met NFL legend J.J Watt, who recently invested in Burnley ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League.

Lancashire Telegraph: Hughie Higginson (right) and Freddie Xavi (left) with J.J.WattHughie Higginson (right) and Freddie Xavi (left) with J.J.Watt (Image: Keiron Higginson)

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

Since then Hughie and his friend Freddie have raised hundreds of thousands for charity.

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.

They are currently undertaking a running challenge together which sees them touring the UK to run 1km around each of the 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.

The young authors have even written a book about friendship called ‘Friends Are Amazing’.

To donate to their fundraiser click here.