Gethin Jones dedicated his cup final goal to his mum as the Wanderers’ vice-captain helped light up Wembley.
Jones and his brother Dylan and sister Ela sadly lost their mother Karen to MND just over a year ago.
The Whites’ defender has since drawn strength from the support of his team-mates, the club and the Wanderers’ fans in returning to action to help Ian Evatt’s men keep climbing.
And after heading home the final goal which sealed Wanderers’ magnificent 4-0 Papa Johns Trophy Final win over Plymouth Argyle, the 27-year-old immediately looked to the skies.
“It was extra special. Getting that goal was for my mum, of course,” said Jones.
“Seeing all my family and friends here but my mum not being here was quite emotional.
“When that ball hit the back of the net I honestly didn’t know what to do. I wanted to drop on the floor and start crying but the lads picked me up and said ‘go and celebrate with the fans’ and that’s what I did.
“I’ve been here for three years and for the last 18 months or so they (the fans) been so supportive towards me and everything I’ve gone through so that was something back for my mum and the fans as well.”
More than 34,000 Wanderers’ fans inside Wembley provided a magnificent backdrop for the Whites’ triumph as goals from Jones, Elias Kachunga, Dion Charles and Kyle Dempsey sparked joyous scenes.
And Jones was delighted to help prompt the celebrations of Wanderers’ first cup success since 1989 less than two years after promotion from League Two in the defender's first season at the club.
“Since we came through the semi-final against Accrington we’ve seen the ticket sales go through and we couldn’t believe it,” Jones added.
“When we arrived we saw thousands of fans coming in and it was unbelievable.
“We just wanted to cherish every moment with the fans at the end. We’re just so thankful to have such great fans.
“I’m just made up we got the win. It just shows that the club’s on the way back.”