“Told He Might Never Walk—Now He’s Walking Out at Anfield”

Two years ago, we started a TikTok account for Isaac—not just to document his journey but to bring hope and support to other parents navigating life with children like him. Our goal was to raise awareness of Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome and show that joy and progress are possible, even in the face of challenges.
“It’s not every day you get to see your son’s dream come true—it still feels surreal.”
These are the words of Melissa Kearney, whose seven-year-old son, Isaac, captured the hearts of millions after stepping onto the pitch as an LFC mascot. The emotional video of this unforgettable moment quickly went viral, racking up a staggering 122 million views and 12 million social media interactions worldwide.
Melissa recalls how the idea of creating a TikTok account first came about:
“It was a young cousin who suggested we start one—to showcase Isaac’s personality and the joy he brings to our lives.”
A Journey from Fear to Faith
When Isaac was born, Melissa struggled to find the right support network.

“I searched for groups to connect with other parents, but the ones I found were filled with negativity. It became overwhelming, so I stepped away and decided to focus on Isaac’s development instead. As he started hitting milestones, my confidence and positivity grew.”
Isaac, a bright and determined schoolboy from Kirkby, has been living with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects cognitive and physical development. Yet, against all odds, he walked out onto Anfield with Virgil van Dijk by his side—a moment his family never thought possible.
“We were told he might never walk, so seeing him step onto the pitch was nothing short of a miracle.”
Melissa shares how overwhelming the response has been since their video went global:
“We’ve received messages from people as far as America. So many families have reached out, saying Isaac’s story has given them hope and helped them see things in a new light.“
Finding Strength in Positivity
Though Melissa still finds it difficult to look back at Isaac’s baby photos—especially the ones from when he suffered seizures—she has learned to embrace their reality.

“Every child with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome is different. Some use wheelchairs, some are non-verbal, others are more physically able. I used to worry about sending the wrong message, but I realised that hope is the most important message of all.”
“A positive attitude always leads to a better outcome. Isaac is such a character—he’s always smiling, and his happiness is contagious.”
Liverpool Through and Through
Melissa, a phlebotomist at a GP surgery, recalls how Isaac’s love for Liverpool FC started early:
“It began with him watching matches and pre-game build-ups with his dad. Soon, he was asking when the next match was and wanting to visit Anfield. He’d sing along to Liverpool songs, strumming his toy guitar, and he even memorised player stats.”
“Ask him what he had for lunch at school, and he might forget. But ask him who wears number 30 for Liverpool, and he’ll tell you straight away!”
Even at school, his teachers have found ways to use Liverpool FC to help him engage with learning.
Isaac’s father, Alan, who works at Ford’s transmission factory, admits that life wasn’t always this hopeful. But seeing Isaac’s dream come true has changed everything—not just for their family, but for countless others who have found inspiration in his journey.
“We were told there’d be a lot of publicity, but we had no idea how big it was going to be. We’ve had people from Brazil, the Netherlands, the US—all over the world—reaching out and saying how Isaac has put things into perspective for them. Some were going through tough times, but watching Isaac has kept them going. And that’s amazing.”
Since the video went viral, there has been a five-year high in Google searches related to Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, meaning Isaac’s story isn’t just inspiring people—it’s spreading awareness in ways they never imagined.
A Rare Condition, A Remarkable Journey
Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome is an exceptionally rare chromosomal disorder, affecting just 1 in 50,000 babies. It causes varying degrees of developmental delays, low muscle tone, and other challenges. For Isaac, this has meant ongoing physiotherapy and learning support.
But if there’s one thing his story has proven, it’s that hope can turn even the toughest journeys into extraordinary triumphs.