' The Brave Little Girl Tomorrow Will Lead Cardiff City Out

The brave little girl who will lead Cardiff City out against Leeds United FC in memory of her tragic brother and dad


Monday 7th March 2016

BY PHIL SMITH


Anthony Pilkington's 'Believe' celebration in tribute to Fraser will also appear on the front cover of the official match day programme


Three-year-old Elizabeth Bates will lead Cardiff City out against Leeds United on TuesdayThree-year-old Elizabeth Bates will lead Cardiff City out against Leeds United on Tuesday

It has the potential to be a special night for Cardiff City players as they take on Leeds United, and they will be inspired by walking onto the pitch alongside youngster Elizabeth Bates.

Months after tragically losing her big brother and Dad in a car accident in Talbot Green, three-year-old Elizabeth will be a mascot for the Bluebirds' crunch clash.



Young Fraser went on to save four lives by donating his organs to those in need, and his mother, Anna-Louise, has set up a charity called Believe to offer support to families discussing organ donation.


Anna-Louise has since been asking sports stars to show their support by adopting Fraser's 'believe' stance, seen when he visited the Nou Camp in Barcelona.

Anthony Pilkington promised to do so, and stayed true to his word after scoring the first of two penalties in the 2-1 win over Preston North End .


The image of the Irish striker celebrating will be the main image on the front of the match day programme tomorrow.

The help of Pilkington and his partner has done much to raise awareness of the campaign, with a holiday to Italy recently offered up for auction.

Anna-Louise and Elizabeth will meet Pilkington during their visit to the Cardiff City Stadium.



Fraser Bates, four, and dad Stuart, 43, passed away in December.

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Such a sad case, big respect to pilky. Hope little Elizabeth has a great night even though she probably would prefer not to be in these circumstances

Hope she enjoys tomorrow, can't be easy for her.

Well done to the club for arranging this and well done to Pilkington

Very very sad though.

This happened just up the road from me, such a sad story. We wish brave little Elizabeth all the best, and big respect to Pilks. RIP Stuart & Fraser, God bless!

So Sad

Best wishes to her so tragic.

This has broken my heart to pieces. It is so important that we all support this poor girl and her mum on Tues eve. This is where football takes second meaning to life. God bless her family. "TOGETHER AS ONE WE UNITE"

The word tragedy can be a bit over used these days but this really is a tragedy in every sense of the word.
Such a brave little girl, one can only imagine what it must be like for her and her Mum.

There was me thinking to myself 'if we can get 3 points tomorrow we'll be right back in the hunt', then you read this and realise that football really does take a 'back seat' tomorrow evening.

Let's hope that as a club / set of fans we can all be part of making what is sure to be an emotional night for Mum, a really proud night for her as well.

Well said lads.

It will be nice to show a bit of support for that family even if it's by giving that little girl a cheer.

So sad

Reading your comments of support for the club and players and indeed the fans when they go those extra few yards to show that they truly care makes me very proud to be a Bluebird and a member of this forum.

Well said lads.

It will be nice to show a bit of support for that family even if it's by giving that little girl a cheer.

Wouldn't it be something else if, when City score tonight, instead of "Bluebirds, Bluebirds....." the crowd chanted "Believe, Believe" whilst doing the Believe salute.

Spread the word...........!

Well said lads.

It will be nice to show a bit of support for that family even if it's by giving that little girl a cheer.

Wouldn't it be something else if, when City score tonight, instead of "Bluebirds, Bluebirds....." the crowd chanted "Believe, Believe" whilst doing the Believe salute.

Spread the word...........!

Agree

Excellent idea Purple in Cwmbran.
This tragic event was so sad. Mother and daughter are so brave they deserve everyone's respect and cheers.
Great gesture by the club and Pilks especially.
R.I.P. Stuart and Fraser.

Beleive!!!

god bless. believe

Well done Anthony Pilkington and CCFC.

My thoughts are with the family...God bless you Elizabeth and much respect pilks

My thoughts are with the family...God bless you Elizabeth and much respect pilks

Well said lads.

It will be nice to show a bit of support for that family even if it's by giving that little girl a cheer.

Wouldn't it be something else if, when City score tonight, instead of "Bluebirds, Bluebirds....." the crowd chanted "Believe, Believe" whilst doing the Believe salute.

Spread the word...........!

That sounds a Fantastic idea. Just imagine how much support that would show for the Bates family and the believe charity/campaign. Could do it after every goal (if we score any). If we don't score any goals we could still do it when the little girl walks out? What a tragedy this is though and I hope we can do something to try and somehow make the girl and her mum feel a little better?

My thoughts are with the family...God bless you Elizabeth and much respect pilks

Cant make it tonight as unwell - hope the young lady gets a great reception

BELIEVE

Brave family life goes on because of this family it's a great campaign .
Good on city to . a real sadness and tragic accident with a brave end .
Rip Fraser and his dad.