'Credit to Sheffield' - Billy Sharp hailed by Sheffield United and Wednesday fans after heartwarming gesture after Blades-mad grandad passes away

Owls fan Emma Stenton launched a campaign for her grandad, Ken, to meet Sharp after discovering Ken had terminal cancer.

After spotting the appeal on Twitter Sharp agreed to meet Ken when he returned from Dubai, where he had been on a winter break training camp with his Blades teammates.

But tragically, 81-year-old Ken passed away on Sunday – a day before he fulfilled his wish to meet the Blades skipper.

Sharp revealed on Twitter he was “gutted” that he didn’t get to meet Ken before he passed away, but he fulfilled his promise by visiting Emma and her family and presenting them with his signed Blades shirt.

Emma told The Star: “We really appreciate Billy taking the time to visit us at such a difficult time.

“Grandad would have been so very proud to have met Billy. He’s such an amazing and talented guy, as was Grandad.

“We are just devastated that he didn't get his dream. Huge thank you to Billy and Jon [Crownshaw, Sharp’s agent].”

Emma shared a picture of the meeting on Twitter with the caption “For you, grandad” and Sharp added: “Thank you to you & your family for making me feel so welcome. Your grandad will be proud. Two clubs, one city.”

The tweets quickly went viral on Twitter, with both Owls and Blades fans praising Sharp’s gesture.

“Top class from the skipper as usual. Credit to our club and our city,” wrote one Blade.

Danny Gee added: “Respect to you for this. From an Owl.. top man.”

Emma is hoping to arrange a minute’s applause in the 38th minute of United’s game against Brighton this weekend, to pay tribute to season ticket holder Ken.

Emma has also set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for Cancer Research UK, in honour of her grandad. To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-grandad-ken.