VIDEO: Brave Kasabian summons up strength to thank Wayne Rooney for his support

A brave Sheffield boy whose fight against cancer won him the respect of Wayne Rooney has thanked the footballer in a heart-warming video.

Kasabian Newton-Smith was thrilled to receive a video message from his sporting idol, who also donated the shirt he wore during England's 3-0 victory over Scotland.

The Manchester United and England striker showed his backing for the terminally-ill eight-year-old after football fans across South Yorkshire got behind a campaign for the pair to meet.

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Kasabian, of Parson Cross, revealed what Rooney's support and that of the wider football community meant to him in a moving video posted on Twitter by his dad Simon.

It shows the poorly youngster summoning up all his reserves of energy to lift his finger and 'point to the sky', mimicking the goal celebration fans far and wide have been copying for the #1LastSmile4Kasabian campaign.

Cradled in his father's arms, his body emaciated and with a tube connected to his nose, the Red Devils fan then digs deep to force out the word 'Roo' in gratitude for the star's gesture.

Simon tweeted the video late on Monday night to show those who had backed the campaign what it meant to Kasabian and his family.

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He wrote: "@WayneRooney kas was awake 2 night so showed him the shirt. Hope u like the vid. @GrassrootSoccer @billysharp10 @ManUtd."

Kasabian, who plays for Southey Wolves under-10s, was diagnosed with cancer aged two and his selflessness and upbeat attitude while battling the disease won him much admiration. But his health has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks and medics fear he may not have long left.

His story captured the heart of Brinsworth Whitehill under-10s manager Ben Harris-Shaw, who launched an online fundraising appeal for the sick youngster.

Grassroots Football UK then started the #1LastSmile4Kasabian campaign in an attempt to realise one of his final wishes - to meet Rooney.

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Players and fans young and old shared photos of themselves mimicking the England legend's distinctive goal celebration, accompanied by the hashtag, quickly earning the attention of the man himself.

Rooney was not the only football star to respond to the appeal. Sheffield United's Billy Sharp visited Kasabian with teammate Chris Basham last week, before dedicating that weekend's victory over Chesterfield to the youngster. He even celebrated his goal by raising one arm a-la Rooney in a nod to the campaign.