This week the Ottawa REDBLACKS invited super fan Philippe to their practice after they received and email from his mom Nadine.
Earlier in 2017 Philippe suffered a brain hemorrhage that caused him to lose the ability to move virtually every muscle in his body. He had to learn how to lift his hand, stand and throw a football all over again. This past week he was granted permission to go out for a few hours and chose to go watch his football team, the Gatineau Viking’s who he played for before he got sick.
After reaching out to the REDBLACKS hoping to give Philippe a memory he would never forget, the REDBLACKS delivered big time…
Today, we were honoured to have #REDBLACKS super fan Philippe join us at practice on his road to recovery.#RNation #CFL pic.twitter.com/PrrkZPw7yo
— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) October 24, 2017
Not only did he get to hang out at practice with his favourite team (his whole room is decorated in REDBLACKS gear) he got to break it down for the club!
A football player himself, he helped break practice ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/iQOuJHtLz6
— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) October 24, 2017
We can even add a little catch with QB1 to the list…
And threw a few passes with @Trev_Harris afterwards! pic.twitter.com/sK2Vcu1zG1
— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) October 24, 2017
After the practice, Nadine sent out this tweet with the gloves they got from Greg Ellingson..
Thank you for that wonderful gift on October 24th, 2017. I will cherish it for ever !
Philippe Hughes pic.twitter.com/NxQMLJe2at
— Nadine Paquette (@paquette_nadine) October 26, 2017
Anytime! Great to meet him! Inspirational to say the least. https://t.co/NCaKgGvMx0
— G. Ellingson (@Gelliman82) October 26, 2017