Staff take 86-year-old care home resident 140 miles to see his favourite team play
By James Smith 29th Nov 2022
An 86-year-old care home resident had his wish came true when his carers arranged a VIP trip for him to watch the football team he had supported since childhood.
Daniel Warner returned to Ipswich Town Football Club for the first time in years - visiting the stadium he went to every Saturday with his dad as a child.
The nostalgic trip also saw Daniel given the star treatment and he was able to meet club legend John Wark and current Ipswich Town player, Sam Morsy.
Daniel was born into a sport-mad family and recalls one of his early memories is going to watch games with his dad every weekend.
He is currently a resident at Priors House, in Blackdown and when the care home opened in 2014, staff installed a 'wishing tree', an initiative launched by Care UK.
This allowed residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they'd like to try, places they'd like to visit or even activities linked to past careers.
And after Daniel said he wanted to go back to his watch the footie 140 miles away, the care home helped pull out all the stops to make it a memorable occasion.
On the big day, they arrived at Ipswich Town FC stadium, where they were greeted by the club's Master of Ceremonies Match Day Host, Rodger Oatley, who led them through the tunnel to the main grounds.
Daniel was lost for words when one of his heroes, ex-Ipswich player John Wark, made his way over to meet him.
After bonding with John over their shared joy for the sport, Danny was served up a gourmet three-course meal in the glamorous Sir Bobby Robson Suite and was wined and dined, ready for the game.
Following the game, Danny was called upon for the Man of the Match ceremony to meet Ipswich's very own Sam Morsy.
Daniel said: "I remember watching John Wark when he played for Ipswich, and he was a really good player.
"It was an honour to meet him and we shared some great memories. I am grateful to have been given such a wonderful opportunity.
"When I was younger, my Saturdays were spent going to Ipswich Town with my dad.
"My favourite thing about being back was to see everybody again – the crowds and to meet my pals, I enjoyed every minute of it."
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