EYES shining with delight, Lucy Mason clutches tickets for the Darlington match she feared she would never see.

In front of a crowd of thousands at The Northern Echo Arena this afternoon, she will walk out as a mascot of the team she loves.

She will be joined by her five-year-old brother, Liam.

A fortnight ago, Lucy was pictured on the front page of the Echo looking disconsolate at the end of the Barrow game, which it was feared would be the Quakers’ last match. But after a week of drama, the club has won a stay of execution and Lucy said: “Our lives would be gone without Darlo.

We really need to get the club saved.

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How to donate to the club

The Northern Echo: Pound CoinsPaypal
savedarlo@live.co.uk

BACS Payments
Sort Code: 09-01-28
Account No: 20106677

By Post
Cheques made payable to DFCRG sent to Save Darlo, c/o The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington DL1 1NF. The Echo office is also receiving hand-delivered donations.

Bucket Collections
Darlington FC Supporters Club is also raising money, with bucket collections at the ground. Cheques made payable to the club can be sent to 6 Somerset Grove,Darlington, DL1 2LL.

“I think it will be a nice big crowd and everyone needs to come and support us.”

Football fans from across the country are expected to join thousands from Darlington.

The Northern Echo understands that potential investors will continue talks to secure a long-term future for the club over the weekend.

Lucy and Liam, from Middleton St George, have supported Darlington all their lives. Their mother, Theresa, 35, said: “The club means everything to us. Apart from the fact it’s the town’s history, the club is what the town is all about. What brings the town together apart from the club?”