Right at Home Clients Enjoy Inclusive Cricket Experience at Lord’s Cricket Ground

Right at Home Clients and their family members were invited to enjoy a free and inclusive day of county cricket at Lords, as part of our charity partnership with Dementia Adventure. 

100 free seats in a dedicated area were donated by Middlesex County Cricket Club, and the Green Letter Day event was supported by the charity’s volunteers, who are all trained to support people living with dementia.  

Franchise Owner Giles Ellerton, from Right at Home Aylesbury Vale & Chiltern, brought his Client Andrew along and was delighted with the special effort made by the club to facilitate the trip

“We drove straight in and parked; it was just so easy,” he said. “Andrew and I both enjoy watching a game of cricket and it’s been a real treat to be able to bring him to this world-famous venue – we even got a special tour. The atmosphere has been good but there have been no crowds to battle with, and all the facilities have been easily accessible. I’ve been really impressed. 

“For people who are living with dementia, the importance of being able to come and enjoy events like this in an inclusive environment cannot be over-estimated.” 

Cricket fan Peter recalled how he first learned to play as a young boy, on farmers’ fields while on holiday with his cousins. He went on to enjoy many years as a player and even once took part in a match at Lords. Now 86, he loves attending the Green Letters Days with his wife Valerie.

Husband and wife team David and Linda, who have been married 52 years, signed up to the event after reading about it in a newsletter from Right at Home GF, based in Farnham, Surrey. Former teacher Linda lives with dementia and as her primary carer, David recognises the importance of her staying active and them enjoying a life outside the home together. 

“If there’s anything going on, we go for it,” he said. “Linda has always been extremely independent and the way I manage that is by being out and doing things. When it’s first diagnosed, you try to live the life you led before, and to shoehorn things into place. But I learned that doesn’t work – you have to be led by the condition.

“Since then, we have built a new life – and it works. I have no scientific knowledge but to me it’s clear that our focus on the right activities had slowed [the progression of the dementia] considerably. Of course it’s hard, but there are also moments of absolute joy.” 

Dementia Adventure CEO, Fiona Petit, said: “Life for families and carers of people with dementia can often be consumed by their caring responsibilities. What we see, through Green Letter Days such as this, is the opportunity for many of those burdens to be lifted and for families and friends to connect in the most natural of ways and environments, watching a sport that has meant so much to them over the years. 

“We’re very grateful to Middlesex County Cricket Club for their support of this initiative and we’re working on creating similar opportunities for people living with dementia, at other famous cricket grounds around the country.” 

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful difference in your community and inspired by stories like these, get in touch to learn more about becoming a Right at Home franchise owner.