SOUTHAMPTON youngster Thomas Whiley was the envy of all his schoolmates when he was invited to meet his footballing hero James Beattie.

The 11-year-old, who suffers from Lowe syndrome, is physically and mentally handicapped, visually impaired and has brittle bones and failing kidneys.

His parents were told Thomas, from Greenlea Cres-cent, Bassett, would not live past the age of five and would never be able to walk.

But inspired by Saints star Beattie, who has become his idol since he attended his first match two years ago, Thomas astounded everyone who knew him two weeks ago when he walked the entire way around the St Mary's pitch unaided.

Dad Robert, 49, said the youngster, who is a pupil at Cedar Special School, had walked short distances unaided before, but set off for his 30-minute challenge during half-time after being told that if he wanted to be like James Beattie he would have to walk round the pitch.

Thomas and his parents went along to watch the team training and the football fanatic even had a kickabout with his hero.

Mum Tracey, 38, said: "He's been telling all his friends that he was going to meet James Beattie and they were all

jealous.

"He's really enjoyed coming down today. It's a dream come true for him and James has

definitely lived up to his expectations."

To find out more about Lowe syndrome, which affects only boys and has just 16 sufferers in the country, log-on to www. lowetrust.com