OFF the field efforts of Lowestoft Town FC have been praised this week after a brave youngster was treated to the 'most wonderful day of her life.'That was the reaction of proud mother Helen Nixon, as she expressed her gratitude to everyone at Crown Meadow for organising a memorable day for daughter Sophie as The Blues were crowned Ryman League Division One North champions.

OFF the field efforts of Lowestoft Town FC have been praised this week after a brave youngster was treated to the 'most wonderful day of her life.'

That was the reaction of proud mother Helen Nixon, as she expressed her gratitude to everyone at Crown Meadow for organising a memorable day for daughter Sophie as The Blues were crowned Ryman League Division One North champions.

But it wasn't just about leading the side out onto the pitch as Lowestoft's match day mascot - for the club organised a bumper day of surprises that the 12-year-old will never forget.

Having 'struggled' - according to Mrs Nixon - since losing her hair with alopecia that had been brought on by bullying, Sophie and her families treat was an invitation from the club to be VIPs for the day.

A breakfast meeting at 10.30am with all the players and management, led to Mrs Nixon claiming: 'Her face was a treat! She could not believe she was in the same room as her beloved Trawler Boys.'

After being treated 'as a star' by all, chairman Gary Keyzor made a 'lovely, personal speech about Sophie' according to Mrs Nixon before presenting her with Lowestoft's new strip - which was emblazoned with her name and number 13, as the youngster will be 13 on May 17.

Sophie's favourite two players - skipper Jamie Godbold and goalkeeper Andy Reynolds - then handed over a signed Lowestoft Town shirt, complete with a special message from Godbold, and a signed club football from all the players, before the whole team posed with Sophie for photographs.

'Sophie's experience was one of great joy, at one time she nearly broke down but she felt so honoured and proud,' Mrs Nixon said. After changing into her new kit, and gearing up for the match, Sophie was presented with a signed Liverpool picture by Mick and Liz from the club - which she will 'treasure forever.'

And after Lowestoft had impressed on the pitch to win the game and seal another 100 point winning season, there was another prestigious honour as the brave 12-year-old took the league trophy out onto the pitch.

'Sophie put the cup down, and put her hands in the air and started to clap…all in the crowd and stand then also started to clap - it was the icing on the cake to the most perfect day and perfect season,' Mrs Nixon said.

In February, the Journal revealed how Sophie's passion for The Blues had helped her overcome stress-related alopecia.

The 12-year-old spoke out at the time after she lost clumps of her hair in battling bullies - but now the avid Trawler Girl is reflecting on a day she will never forget.

'Our thanks go to Gary Keyzor, Mick and Ady, the groundsmen, Mick and Liz and all the wonderful Lowestoft Town team and supporters for their kind words,' Mrs Nixon said.

'Thank you to all for not only making Sophie's day special, but she will never forget this day for the rest of her life - I am sure that the support given is helping her recover from her alopecia and she is much happier now.

'My words are not enough to thank you all, but from the heart you are all wonderful - and we thank you,' Mrs Nixon said.