Everton’s Premier League counterparts Brighton & Hove Albion have asked the Blues’ 11-year-old Fan of the Year Lewis Docherty and his family to be their guests of honour when the teams meet at Brighton’s Amex Stadium and once supporters are safe to return to stadiums.

Lewis, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, received an unprecedented number of nominations for the Club’s award in recognition of both his fundraising efforts in tandem with Speedo Mick and devotion to Everton.

The emotional video of Lewis receiving his prize, featuring a surprise guest appearance from Everton captain Seamus Coleman, captured the imagination of Brighton CEO Paul Barber, who promptly moved to reward the young supporter for “giving everyone a huge lift” following a “tough few months”.

Lewis is the first Evertonian to receive more than 1,000 nominations for the fans’ honour, with fellow supporters citing his “amazing personality” and unstinting commitment to the Club despite several hospital stays in recent years.

And after watching the heart-warming video on Everton’s social media channels, Barber got in touch with the Club to offer Lewis and his family a treat at Brighton once fans are allowed back into stadiums following COVID-19 restrictions.

“Watching the video, young Lewis is clearly a very worthy and popular winner of the Club’s Fan of the Year award,” said Barber.

“We hope fans are able to attend matches again next season and it seemed like a nice way to reward Lewis by inviting him and his family down to Everton’s game at the Amex as a special guest of the club.

“The past few months have been tough for everyone, but Lewis’s video, and the joy the award brings to him, gives everyone a huge lift.”

Fans’ Forum Co-Vice-Chairperson Lisa Vaughan and Speedo Mick, who has tackled a succession of high-profile challenges to raise substantial funds for charity, presented Lewis with his Fan of the Year award this month.

Coleman told an excited Lewis he would receive a free Season Ticket Membership for 2020/21, together with a hamper full of Everton kits and Club merchandise.

Lisa credited “incredible” Lewis with being an “inspiration to everybody”, while Speedo Mick confirmed his fundraising ally “lives and breathes” Everton.

And Barber, whose club sustains strong ties with supporters through its Albion in the Community scheme, recognises how Everton shares the same values.

Brighton were promoted to the Premier League in 2017 and have forged a reputation as a progressive and pioneering member of the top-flight.

“Everton, like Brighton & Hove Albion, share very strong and vitally close connections with their community, via their community scheme,” added Barber.

“We are two clubs who connect closely with our fans.

“We also have enjoyed a close and excellent relationship with Everton, via [Chairman] Bill Kenwright, [CEO] Denise Barrett-Baxendale, and [Director of Marketing, Communications & Community] Richard Kenyon.”

Lewis’ mum, Traci, added: “Lewis has been overwhelmed by the fantastic response he has received from Evertonians and supporters of all football clubs after being announced as Fan of the Year.

“He loves Everton and you can see how much it meant to him to be given the award, and the support he has received since has been brilliant.

“We are hugely grateful to Paul Barber and Brighton & Hove Albion for their invitation and we look forward to spending a great day with them when we are able to.”

Everton will make their fourth visit to the well-appointed Amex Stadium in the forthcoming campaign.

Fixture details for 2020/21 are provisionally scheduled for release on Friday 21 August and will be published on evertonfc.com.