Brian Clark is a loyal Essendon supporter who has done it tough over the last few years.

His wife passed away eight years ago, leaving Brian to raise their two sons.

More recently, Brian suffered a stroke and his boys aged eight and eleven feared the worst.

“My boys thought they were going to lose me,” Brian said.

For 25 years, he remained a paid up Bomber member.

But this season the financial cost became too much.

That’s where the Essendon Football Club stepped in, giving the Clark family three memberships and the title of this season’s 60,000^th member.

“It’s such an honour, it’s like a birthday present,” Brian said.

Former Coach and General Manager of Commercial Development and Innovation Kevin Sheedy said the club was happy to lend a helping hand. 

“They’re going through a tough time in their life losing their mother and wife,” he said.

“This is what our club should be about.

“It’s about integrity and character and a lot of care and feeling about our fans.”