A dream come true for care home football fans on private club tour

Residents and fans of Leicester City FC at Aylesham Court Bupa Care Home paid a visit to the football club this October, as part of its Then, Now and Forever project.

Dave Easom runs the Then, Now and Forever project for Leicester City FC, which provides people with dementia the opportunity to tour and learn about the club. As part of the project, Dave and other club members also visited Aylesham Court Bupa Care Home back in July to talk to residents and showcase their memorabilia.

Following the initial visit this summer, John Martin, activity coordinator at Aylesham Court, arranged for three residents, who are dedicated fans of the club, to visit Leicester Football Club and have a private tour. Residents Bill Johnson, Sue Pears and Keith Haggerwood, got to see where their favourite players prepare for a match.

Aylesham Court’s John Martin commented: “This ongoing partnership with Leicester Football Club is a fantastic way of engaging our residents with the wider community and giving them new experiences.

“The day was a huge success! It was great to see the residents smiling and learning about something they are so passionate about. When we went through the players tunnel, the hosts played crowds cheering over the loudspeakers for the residents to feel like they were at a real game. Everyone was so excited and amazed by the stadium.”

Resident Sue Pears, who attended the day and is a lifelong supporter of the club, commented: “It was a brilliant day and made me very happy. The tour was very detailed and interesting, and I learnt new things about the club, which shocked me as I am a dedicated Leicester City supporter!”

Aylesham Court Bupa Care Home is situated in Leicester Forest East, Leicester and welcomes residents in need of nursing or residential care including those living with Parkinson’s. For further information, https://www.bupa.co.uk/care-services