Brazilian club Coritiba honors Norwich City fan Jonny Butcher with name on his Kit
When the players of Brazilian team Coritiba walked out for their league match against Chapecoense, their shirts looked a little different. The front of each shirt featured the name of English fan Jonny Butcher to raise awareness for motor neurone disease (MND). According to reporting by BBC Sport - Top Stories.
Butcher was diagnosed with ALS in February 2023 and is an avid Norwich City fan. He fell in love with Brazilian Serie A club Coritiba after meeting his wife, Ana Clara, on a Christian dating app and visiting her in Brazil. The coincidental affiliation between Norwich City and Coritiba in 2022 made wearing the Brazilian club's name natural.
How did Butcher’s story inspire Coritiba?
Newly married after a diagnosis that turned his life upside down, Jonny Butcher had a bucket list of things he wanted to experience while still could. Attending a Coritiba match in their stadium was on it. While breathing difficulties and loss of mobility prevented this specific wish from being fulfilled, Coritiba decided to honor him during their Serie A win against Chapecoense.
What messages did Coritiba’s players wear?
In the design, Butcher's name was accompanied by a quote: 'Your strength inspires us. We stand as one.' The front of the shirts also incorporated a sunflower, an international symbol for non-visible disabilities awareness. After the Brazilian national anthem played, the players posed with a banner bearing Butcher's name and the signatures of Coritiba fans, players, and staff.
How did Ana Clara react to seeing her husband honored?
Ana Clara, who told BBC Sport: 'We sat there watching it all from England, completely overwhelmed and honestly struggling to believe that this was really happening. To see Jonny's name inside Couto Pereira, surrounded by thousands of people who had never even met him but choose to stand behind him, was incredibly emotional.'
What happens next?
Coritiba said some shirts will be sent to Butcher’s family and an institution that provides assistance for people with rare diseases. 'Last night Jonny said he wishes he could shake every hand and tell each person individually what this meant to him,' Ana Clara added. ‘We may never be able to properly express our gratitude, but we hope they know that this is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.'
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I support MND awareness?
You can support motor neurone disease (MND) awareness by learning more about it, sharing information, and participating in initiatives like Coritiba's shirt campaign.
What rare conditions does the institution that received the shirts help with?
The institutions receive assistance for people with various rare diseases, including MND. Butcher believes his experience can inspire others and spread awareness about different forms of this debilitating condition.