HC-One’s Rosebridge Court care home, in Hindley, Wigan, is the home to many loyal football and rugby supporters. Colleagues wanted to do something special for the residents, so the wellbeing team reached out to some favourite sports teams. Not long after, memorabilia came through the door and a trip to watch a football match was organised!
Colleagues at the care home always strive to find new and exciting ways to put smiles on residents’ faces. Nicola Harvey, Wellbeing Coordinator, recently had been chatting to some of the residents about their passion for sports and what they remember doing when younger.
Stephen Lowe, who has been a resident at Rosebridge Court for 12 years, is a huge Wigan Warriors fan. He has been to Wembley three times with his friends and his dad. They used to enjoy going for a meal before the match. Stephen recalls how he remembers them playing Castleford when Colin Tyrer broke his teeth in a tackle!
Gerald McMahon much prefers football and his favourite club Manchester City. He went to his first match at Maine Road when he was about eight years old and is still a loyal supporter still at the age of 84. He talks about how he used to go with his friends and remembers Don Revie as the manager.
Stephen Gall, who has lived at the home for three years, has been a supporter of Wigan Athletic for 50 years and had a season ticket for most of them years, often going with his friends.
Nicola wrote to all three sports clubs about how the care home was where three very loyal supporters were living and their love of the clubs. Rosebridge Court then received replies from all three clubs with signed cards and posters, thanking each of them for their continued support over the years. The residents were presented with their treats, and all got a round of applause. Everyone was surprised and very pleased.
Included with the letter from Wigan Athletic was four complimentary tickets for their next home match, to see Wigan vs Northampton on Saturday 12th August 2023. Stephen Gall was over the moon and delighted with the effort Nicola had gone to, to organise a trip.
Stephen chose his brother and two colleagues, Nicola and Alison, to accompany him to the game.
On the day, the DW Stadium was full and there was an exciting atmosphere! Stephen was smiling and cheering his side along with the other supporters. Wigan scored a goal and Stephen commented he was having a good day,
Nicola Harvey, Activities Coordinator and Care Assistant Alison Wyke both attended the game. Nicola said,
“It was mine and Alison’s first football match and it was good to see Stephen with his friends smiling and enjoying the game.”
Stephen Gall, commented:
“I had a really good time; this was one of my favourite days, made better with my brother being here.”
Everyone who attended the match had a good time and Wigan won by two goals to one, which was the cherry on top of a great day!
Cheryl Little, Care Home Manager at Rosebridge Court, said:
“It is both an honour and a privilege to work alongside a team that, every day, goes above and beyond to bring happiness and smiles into the lives of our residents. Every resident was so excited and thrilled with their autographs – it was a pleasure to see. What a team! Thank you to all the staff involved for making wishes and dreams come true.”