Back of the net! Banbury care home resident returns to beloved Oxford United
A resident at a care home in Banbury has had his long-held wish fulfilled with a pitch-perfect outing.
When the team at Care UK’s Highmarket House, on North Bar Place, heard about football fan Colin’s desire to get back in the stands after eight years away, they set out to fulfil his dream.
Colin’s love for the beautiful game began in his childhood, when he became an avid Oxford United supporter. He shared his love for football with his wife and together they visited the Kassam Stadium many times to cheer on his team.
Decades later, the 63-year-old’s passion for football still burns strong and is something he shares often with fellow residents and the care home team.
His wife Sara explains: “I became an active Oxford United fan, otherwise I would never have seen him! Football and Oxford United are very much the glue to such a happy, exciting and caring marriage.”
Oxford United drew 1-1 with Cambridge United, but the scoreline didn’t affect Colin’s excitement to be back in the atmosphere he’s always loved. To make the day even more unforgettable, he was part of a prize draw on the pitch before kick-off and met some of the players as they headed out of the tunnel for the match.
The visit was part of Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put their dreams forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new. From flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small for the team to try to grant.
Fran Cowley, Home Manager at Highmarket House, said: “We are always looking for ways to make residents’ wishes come true. When Colin’s wife Sara told us how much it would mean to him to attend an Oxford United match again, we had to make it a reality.
“Seeing how happy Colin was throughout the trip was truly priceless. It was a special day filled with joy and excitement – and he kept reliving it for the rest of the week!
“A big thank you to the club and the wonderful team at Highmarket House for making the day so memorable. It was fantastic to be part of it.”
Highmarket House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.
To find out more about Highmarket House, please call Customer Relations Manager Michaela Jones on 01295 297596, email [email protected] or visit careuk.com/highmarket-house-banbury.