A TEENAGER battling leukaemia has met his hero, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

And Reds fan Daniel Berry could receive a further boost -- from two of United's star players.

Daniel, aged 17, is recovering from his third session of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a rare form of the disease in August.

Two sessions of chemotherapy have failed and if the third session is unsuccessful, his only hope could be a trip to Texas in America for specialist treatment.

His parents Gary and Elaine Berry, of Crosby Grove, Atherton, wrote to Sir Alex about Daniel, but before he even laid eyes on the letter a coincidence meant his dream came true.

While visiting her son in Hope Hospital, Salford, Mrs Berry heard Sir Alex was visiting the hospital to switch on the Christmas lights.

She rushed a message to the soccer legend explaining that Daniel was desperate to meet him and was delighted when he popped over for a chat.

She said: "Alex was talking to Daniel about his illness and said he thought he was a strong person and if he kept faith he would succeed.

"He seemed a really genuine, kind person and he stayed chatting with Daniel about football for at least 10 minutes."

The visit gave Daniel, a former pupil of Hesketh Fletcher High School, a real boost, and afterwards he was able to eat something for the first time in 10 days.

And now, thanks to two further chance meetings, United players David Beckham and Ryan Giggs may also help.

Family friend Sean Halliwell bumped into David Beckham while shopping in Selfridges in the Trafford Centre, Manchester. He told him about Daniel, and he offered to help. A few days later, Sean, a landscape gardener, approached Ryan Giggs after spotting him in Deansgate, Manchester.

He said: "They both gave me the phone number of their agents and said they would be happy to help."

Sean is planning a sports auction at Salford Rugby Club in February and hopes the two players will make a guest appearance. He said: "It will be a wonderful way to help Daniel."

Mrs Berry said: "Words cannot describe how Daniel would feel if he met those players. He lives and breathes Manchester United and lives for sport."

If you can help raise funds, phone Mr Berry on 01942 873744 or 07780 836151 or write to PO Box 33, Manchester, M46 9YX. Mrs Berry can be e-mailed at elaine.berry@btinternet.com

Donations can be made to the Daniel Berry Fund at The Royal Bank Of Scotland in Market Street, Atherton.