Hastings to wear unique boots
7 Aug 2020
Super League returns to action this weekend and there'll be one fan keeping a keen eye on Wigan Warriors' half-back, Jackson Hastings.
Hastings moved to Wigan at the end of last season from Salford Red Devils, the Salford fans and Hastings have always had a soft-spot for each other since he joined the club to save them from relegation in 2018.
This weekend, Hastings will be wearing a pair of boots which will be pretty hard not to miss.
His Asics boots are now bright orange and have the words 'Positivity' and 'Stay Strong Emily' drawn on to the side of them.
Emily, is a young Salford fan who suffers from leukaemia.
As promised. I’ll be wearing these on Sunday to represent not only Emily and her family but other people suffering! Nice and bright hope she can see them on sky, stoked with how they’ve turned out! 💖 @ajmbecks pic.twitter.com/GX29liPCBd
— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) August 6, 2020
Hastings said: "The boots are to represent not only Emily and her family but every other person that's fighting a battle with their health.
"I'm one of the fortunate people to be health and I get to play Rugby League for a living.
"I love using my platform to be able to raise awareness and bring attention to people that aren't as lucky as myself."
Emily's family got in touch with Jackson after she drew a picture of him while she was getting treatment at Manchester Children's Hospital.
Hastings will wear the one-off boots in Sunday's clash against Wakefield Trinity before delivering them to Emily.
And the Wigan half-back had a message for Emily: "I hope Emily loves the boots when she sees them on TV, her courage, bravery and fight has truly inspired me.
"Hopefully come Sunday I can represent her the right way."
Emily's father, Andy, also said: "It will be totally overwhelming and emotional to see Jackson wearing the boots.
"What Jackson has done for us since Emily was diagnosed with leukaemia has been nothing short of remarkable."
Hastings has also visited Andy's wife and eldest daughter while he was at the hospital with Emily. It was there that Hastings FaceTimed Emily and her father, whilst sitting in their living room.
Andy added: "It is such a kind hearted gesture - and he doesn’t even play for Salford anymore!
"I will point out that Salford Red Devils have also been fantastic sending video messages from the players and also arranging for her to meet the players at training.
"Emily has also been given the opportunity to lead the team out at the first game at Salford when we are allowed back in the ground."
You can see Hastings wearing his boots live on Sky Sports on Sunday against Wakefield Trinity, kick-off at 3:15PM.
