Everton to pay tribute to supporter at half-time against West Ham

A song composed by a young Everton fan who recently lost his three-year battle with cancer will be played at this weekend’s game against West Ham at Goodison Park.

Peter Fidler passed away on New Year's Eve, aged 18, and now his parents, David and Kath, are bringing together his two passions - music and Everton Football Club - to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Peter's song - Yesterday - will be played during the half-time interval on Saturday and fans are being urged to show their support by making a donation to the cancer charity that helped him during his period of treatment.

The teenager's devotion to music almost rivalled his love of Everton and Peter's family say he would feel honoured that one of his songs was to be played at the home of his beloved Blues.

Dad David said: "This means absolutely everything to us. The idea that Pete is going to be performing in front of 30-odd thousand at Goodison Park, he'll be laughing, he'll be having a blast.

"He's still with us, looking down and he will enjoy the day, that's for certain.

"Initially, you might think that it must have been an awful three years, but it wasn't. We had quite a good time, and that's largely down to Teenage Cancer Trust. They helped out enormously.

"They look after the whole family and the work they do is essential. Their staff are skilful, thoughtful, loving, caring people, they put you at ease from day one and I can't thank them enough.

"Any money we can raise will be Pete helping those who helped him."

Peter, a season-ticket holder in Goodison Park's Gwladys Street end, was well-known to the club after Leighton Baines paid a special visit to his home to spend time with him and hear about how his treatment was progressing early in 2014.

Peter and David were also invited as special guests to Goodison Park for the home game against Manchester United in 2013/14, and spent time catching up with the first team and Everton boss Roberto Martinez again when the squad visited Alder Hey Children's Hospital at Christmas. 

"Leighton Baines was an absolute superstar," said David. "He came round to the house for a cup of tea and it was like he was just Pete's mate. There were no airs and graces, he just sat down and had a chat. We had seen Leighton, Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert and Phil Jagielka at the hospital, too, and they were all superstars with Pete.

"Everton is just an amazing club. In those three years since he was diagnosed, he only missed four games and the club would do whatever they could to make sure Pete could see the game.

"Pete was a happy fella anyway but when you get a boost like that it can carry you for a few weeks and keep you going."