In tribute to the late Colin Bell who sadly passed away in January this year, Colin’s son Dr Jon Bell, Consultant Radiologist at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, will carry the Premier League trophy on to the pitch and to the podium.
Following the news of Colin’s passing earlier this year, tributes and messages flooded in for the City legend and this weekend Jon and other members of Colin’s family will be in attendance as fans are able to pay their own respects in person at the game.
The Club will also welcome 15-year-old City fan, Jake Tindale who will be part of the official presentation party.
In December last year, Jake was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent surgery just two weeks later to remove it over the Christmas period and is currently in recovery.
On hearing Jake’s story, manager Pep Guardiola and members of the playing squad sent video messages and well wishes to Jake over Christmas, promising to invite him to enjoy a special experience at the Etihad Stadium once fans were able to return and it was safe to do so.
Ahead of the weekend, Jon said: “There are so many people who would be worthy of walking the Premier League trophy out, particularly this year, but it’s a beautiful gesture from the Club to invite me to be part of it.
“It captures the family atmosphere that exists at City, they are very in touch with their supporters and I think this will be something they will appreciate.
“It’s something for them and something for dad.”
Jake also expressed his anticipation for the game and said, “The Club sent me an amazing message from Pep Guardiola and as soon as I saw it I was anxious as to what he would say.
“When he said I’m going to be presenting the trophy I was just speechless – it was one of the best surprises of my life.
“I still don’t think it’s fully set in what I’ll be doing yet, I can’t wait.”
Jake’s dad, Mark Tindale, added: “The Club has been like a family since we had the news of Jake’s diagnosis.
“Seeing this side of the Club and how caring they are has been phenomenal and it’s priceless for Jake, it’s really kept his spirits up.”
Manager, Pep Guardiola, said: “It’s a huge honour for us to have two such fitting members of the Manchester City family with us on Sunday to play a part in the celebration moment of the lifting of the Premier League trophy in front of our fans.
“This has been such a difficult time for everyone, and especially the family and friends of Colin Bell and Jake Tindale.
“Colin was such a wonderful player for this club, and we were all devastated about his passing.
“His legend has spurred all of us on this season and we are privileged to have Jon here to walk the trophy out in front of the stand named after his father.
“We are also delighted to be able to have Jake here to present the trophy over to the team.
“When we heard about the story of his illness at Christmas time, we all wanted the opportunity to meet him and wish him well.
“Now we get that chance to do that in a truly memorable way, and I hope he and Jon both have a wonderful day on Sunday.”
