A disabled young boy united Manchester’s footballing divide when star players visited him in hospital.

Joshua Wilson had been in intensive care at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital after suffering complications brought on by a chest infection.

Footballers from Manchester City and Manchester United visited his bedside on Wednesday and Thursday last week to show their support for the 13-year-old.

Among those to visit Josh and his parents Dawn and Colin were United players Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones, and Chris Smalling, as well as City players Edin Dzeko and Matija Nastasic and Coronation Street star Antony Cotton.

Dawn Fidler said: “It was fantastic and it helped to motivate us. They were really nice and really genuine, and it helped to break up the day.

“Josh is a United fan but enjoys watching any live football. They came round and were asking about Josh and the other children. You could tell that they care.”

However, since the visits the condition of the teenager, affectionately named Super Josh, has deteriorated and he has now been moved to the Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Dawn said: “We are heartbroken, but are so proud of our boy for everything he's been through. And even after three weeks of chronic illness, Josh is still giving us his magical smiles.”

Whilst there, he has been visited by celebrity TV chef Simon Rimmer.

Joshua, of Walshaw Road, was diagnosed with his first brain tumour in 2004 at the age of three, and was left with complex learning difficulties.

The public have helped to raise money for adaptations and special equipment to be fitted at his house.

His family also set up the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour charity to help other families in a similar situation.