In the process of tidying the accumulated documents that ever so often threaten to cause my home filing cabinet to burst open and spill out its contents I came across a page from a local newspaper dated February 18th 2004.
In the timeline of world history and events the 15 year old piece of paper represents perhaps a millionth of a heartbeat but it is nevertheless something that provides a record of an event that had significance for someone.
One particular column on the page is a story about a father and his two sons, aged at the time 13 and 12 respectively.
They were, and highly likely remain, staunch supporters of the England National Football Team.
Living in the North East of the country the only possibility of ever seeing a live game involving the National Team would involve a long, tiring and expensive excursion to Wembley Stadium or another main venue. The chances of getting to a match on home turf had, however, improved greatly with the opening of the KCOM Stadium some two years earlier.
Its striking, sweeping roofline, fan-friendly access and amenities and a capacity of just over 25,000 put it on a rather exclusive shortlist as a potential host for an international contest.
That cold evening in the early spring of 2004 saw the England Under 21 team line up against Holland.
Our footballing family had been very excited by the prospect, so much so that in the preceding months they hatched a plan to show their support in quite a unique way.
I'm not sure what sort of question you would raise on an internet search but the father and his sons ordered and took delivery, closer to the date of the match, of individual, beautifully crafted, plush, characterfully cuddly and authentically coloured Lion costumes.
They were a perfect set, two small and one larger and understandably evoking in the wearers a great feeling of pride and patriotism.
There was one minor detail that the trio had overlooked.
No, there was plenty of ventilation inside the insulated mock skins.
Yes, there were eye holes and proper road going feet.
Yes, it would be possible to go for a wee wee at short notice whilst wearing the suit.
Unfortunately, many other football fans in the city and region were also keen to attend the game and the Lions had been unable to purchase any tickets. None were apparently available for love nor money through the normal channels.
That was a devastating blow to morale for a Dad and his Lads.
The only recourse was to put out an Appeal through the local paper under it was gratefully acted upon under the guise of a genuine human interest story.
I am pleased to say that I was able to help out in their predicament.
As a supporter of the city team who shared the KCOM Stadium with one of the local Rugby League Teams I had taken out membership of the stadium and had secured for the use of family and friends a group of five seats in the West Stand. Filling them on saturday or midweek matchdays was a difficult task and I often found myself unable to persuade anyone to go with me.
Sat alone in the middle of the five seats was very much a Johnny No Mates experience.
After answering the Media Appeal from the Lions I handed over the ticket allocation that came with membership and was thrilled to be able to do so.
It was, by all accounts a memorable evening for all those amongst a full capacity and record attendance.
VIP guests included former England players and League Managers. In an end to end contest the England Under 21's came out 3-2 winners.
As for the cuddly Lions?
They had a thoroughly memorable evening. Their back-story had filtered through to the crowd and a lap of honour received a rip-roaring reception.
I like to think that the experience remains as a highlight to that family.
I hope that the Lion suits got plenty more use or at least until the young boys were unable to fit into them.
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