Chelsea fan John gets a VIP birthday surprise!
Care team organise trip of a lifetime to Stamford Bridge
Published: 13/03/2023
Lifelong Chelsea FC fan John Smith got the birthday surprise of his life when he was taken on a VIP tour of Stamford Bridge, thanks to some creative thinking from his homecare company.
The day out was delivered courtesy of the team at Right at Home Bedford, who support retired chartered surveyor John and his wife, now that he is living with Parkinson’s disease.
The idea was sparked by CareGiver Munir Al-Busaidy Picariello, who reported how much he and John had enjoyed watching England's World Cup games together in December.
Knowing how big a Chelsea fan he is, and with John’s birthday fast approaching, Care Manager Shelley Lowden contacted Chelsea FC to ask if they could arrange a special treat.
The club promptly organised complimentary tickets for John, his wife Maureen and Munir to visit along with Right at Home Bedford owner Jagdeep Ahluwalia.
John was given the full VIP treatment, with the group enjoying a private tour of the stadium, pitchside, the dressing rooms, trophy room and press areas and a visit to Chelsea FC's museum.
John's Parkinson's affects both his mobility and his ability to manage certain aspects of daily living. Right at Home Bedford supports him and Maureen on a daily basis.
The team have built a wonderful relationship with him, using a small, regular pool of carers to allow for continuity of care.
Caregiver Munir said: “I really enjoyed spending that time with John and giving him an experience that he will remember.
"Chelsea Football Club really went the extra mile for him. We visited the press conference room and the changing rooms where we saw iconic football shirts and learned about the amazing history of the club.
"John is an incredible Client to work with and so deserving of this experience. I loved seeing his face light up as he got to explore Stamford Bridge. Days like this are what makes working in care so worthwhile and rewarding.”
John is an avid sports fan and has been a Chelsea FC supporter his entire life. He has fond memories of visiting the stadium, but it's a little while since he was last there in 1976! He was amazed at how much it had changed over the years.
Jagdeep Ahluwalia, Managing Director of Right at Home Bedford, said: “We’re so pleased to have made this happen. Our whole team go above and beyond every day but the thing that is most pleasing is the impact that it has had on John after the day out.
"That’s exactly what we’re trying to do, spark something in our Clients that has a lasting impact on their wellbeing. Maureen does an incredible job of caring for John each day and we were pleased that she also managed to enjoy a day out and get a well-deserved break.”
Right at Home Bedford’s Registered Manager Shelley Lowden said: “Our team are so special, and I’m proud of Munir for getting the ball rolling on this. To see John so happy was brilliant and reminded us why we do this job.”
Right across the Right at Home network, we are passionate about providing person-centred care and helping our Clients to live fulfilled life.
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