Brad Fittler drops in to visit terminally ill Roosters fan

While the countdown to the 2019 NRL season has been overwhelmed by players’ poor behaviour, one heartwarming story has almost slipped to the keeper without the accolades it deserves.

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While the countdown to the 2019 NRL season has been overwhelmed by players’ poor behaviour, one heartwarming story has almost slipped to the keeper without the accolades it deserves.

Former Sydney Rooster, NSW State of Origin team coach and television presenter Brad Fittler has almost single-handedly reminded the community of the positive influences power of sport and the possibilities it brings.

Grace Hoffmeiste and her new Roosters jersey. Picture: Channel 9

“Freddy” made the long-haul trek to Camden Hospital this morning to surprise terminally-ill Macarthur region Roosters fan Grace Hoffmeister.

Captured on Channel 9’s Today show, Mrs Hoffmeister’s reaction was priceless.

She had been talking to presenters Deb Knight and Georgie Gardner about her illness and a video hookup with Fittler that her son, Adam, had arranged to cheer her up.

“Before I came to Camden (palliative care unit) I was ready to give up,” the 62 year old, who has lung cancer, said.

“This place is amazing; it has lifted my spirits ... nothing is too much them.”

Mrs Hoffmeister also was videoed talked to Fittler on her phone.

Grace Hoffmeister, son Adam Hoffmeister and Brad Fittler on the Today show. Picture: Channel 9

“I can die happy now,” she told him.

But the best was yet to come, when Fittler arrived in person in Camden while she was doing the Today interview.

There were hugs, kisses and tears.

“Oh Brad ... your Mum must be so proud of you,” Mrs Hoffmeister said through tears.

“It’s a dream come true, for a long long time. I cannot believe it, I am looking into your eyes.

“I can’t believe it, it’s a beautiful sight.”

Fittler interrupted: “Do you love the Roosters?”

The response was classic: “No, I love you ... and the Roosters.”

Grace Hoffmeister, son Adam Hoffmeister and Brad Fittler on the Today show. Picture: Channel 9

Fittler presented Mrs Hoffmeister with Roosters and Blues jerseys and also linked her up with the rest of the team who were waiting to send their regards to her.

Son Adam Hoffmeister said he had simply hoped to boost his mother’s spirits.

“I was on Twitter and sent out a message and hoped someone would pick it up,” he said. “Someone noticed it, JT (Jason Taylor) noticed it – but I didn’t expect the big guns.”

After the Today show, Adam posted on the Today website: “We can’t thank you all enough for making this happen for Mum. Still can’t quite believe it. She is beaming! No amount of money could buy this. We are eternally grateful as a family to you all xxxx.”