The Blades have rewarded John Hancox for being a very special football fan.
He has defied the medical odds to follow the Blades from his home in Cavan Town, Ireland.
The 62-year-old diabetic who is partially blind (he is actually registered as being blind), had a kidney transplant and a heart bypass in recent years, returned to Bramall Lane just months after a leg amputation to watch United maintain their Championship challenge with a 3-2 victory over city rivals Wednesday.
His remarkable efforts in following the Blades, which led him to help form United's supporters' club in his native country, were recognised when United Chairman Kevin McCabe presented him with an inscribed rose bowl.
Daughter Barbara said: "I think it is my dad's faith in Sheffield United that has kept him going - particularly after the amputation.
"The Derby match against Wednesday was the first time he travelled with his new leg. It was touch and go at times but he was determined to get back the Lane. After the prosthesis he realised he had a chance of making it for the Derby match.
"He's even got the medical teams to put the United club badge into his false leg - that's how much United mean to him. Our family cannot believe he is back and so soon after the operation."
Irish-born Barbara, a claims team leader with a firm of Liverpool solicitors, was introduced to United thanks to her husband Andy who formerly lived in the Skye Edge and Loxley areas of the city. The couple now live in Warrington, Cheshire.
"Our relationship meant that dad started following United and has led to all my family back in Ireland becoming Blades.
"Dad also helped launch the United supporters club in Ireland with his friend Gerry Somers and enjoys the fact the club have a number of Irish players.
"He's even found out that the manager Kevin Blackwell has relations from Limerick and Kevin McCabe's great grandfather is from Co Armagh."
Sheffield United club chairman Kevin McCabe said: "It was great to meet John and reward his dedication and wholehearted support for the Blades.
"We are very proud to have supporters such as John who are literally prepared to go that extra mile to support their club"
