Abney Court races ahead with special wish for 84-year old speedway fan

Home news

Aug 05, 2019

Abney Court surprised an 84-year old resident with a trip to Belle Vue Speedway at the National Speedway Stadium in Gorton.

The team at Abney Court, which is built in the historic grounds of Abney Hall in Cheadle, runs a Wishing Tree initiative to help make residents’ wishes come true. They decided to surprise resident and passionate rider, Keith Burgess, with a special trip to the speedway to make his long-held dream come true.

Keith was born and raised in Audenshaw, working as a joiner by trade, but enjoying a love of both two and four-wheel vehicles outside work. He worked as a driver during the Second World War at Ladysmith Barracks in Ashton-under-Lyne and owned and raced many bikes, including a 650 Triumph and Suzuki, in the Isle of Man, Ireland and across Cheshire.

Home manager at Abney Court, Tracy Mitchell, said: “Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Abney Court, and we always like to go the extra mile to grant their wishes. I am delighted that we were able to make Keith’s wish of enjoying the action of the speedway a reality. 

“Although he hadn’t actually raced there in his younger days, he used to frequently visit the Belle Vue fixtures, so he thoroughly enjoyed the trip, re-kindling memories of his enjoyment of the sport and being treated to hospitality, plus a meet and greet with the team manager and club mascot.”