Jack Grealish sends Aston Villa fan with cancer signed shirt

Aston Villa supporter David Quainton, 73, has been sent a signed shirt by club captain Jack Grealish, who made his England debut against Denmark earlier this month.

Mr Quainton, from Yarnton, has been battling cancer since 2013.

His son, Mark, 48, reached out to Mr Grealish in an attempt to lift his spirits.

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He said: “I sent a message to Jack on Twitter and then got a direct message from a cousin of his, asking for my number.

“Half an hour later, Jack’s dad called and we’ve been staying in regular contact, he asks how dad is and how he’s getting on.

“Dad’s really happy with the shirt, as obviously Jack gets a lot of messages and requests.

“Things like this give him a boost and and put a smile on his face.

“There is a possibility Jack might visit or he’ll give us a call at some point, once we get through the beginning of the new football season and depending on what lockdown restrictions there are.”

Mr Quainton has been sent a match worn shirt and programmes, all signed by Mr Grealish.

Mr Quainton has previously had phone calls with former Aston Villa stars, including Australian goalkeeper Mark Bosnich, again set up by his son.

He has suffered with GISTs (gastrointestinal stromal tumours) since July 2013, and has had six operations on his bowel, liver and lungs.

The Yarnton ‘born and bred’ resident left school to work for a building company, before running a decorating shop, the Paint Pot, in Summertown between 1973 and 1996.

Mr Quainton said the shop was ‘a very well known place’ and even renowned zoologist and surrealist painter Desmond Morris often used to visit.

Mr Grealish, 25, has been linked with a big money move to Man Utd this summer.