Cheltenham care home residents enjoy VIP experience

Residents at a care home in Cheltenham had a ball when they were invited along to their local football club.

Philip Jones, aged 76, and Michael Akerstedt, aged 82, both residents at Care UK’s Sandfields, on St George’s Road, were delighted to be invited for a special visit to the Completely-Suzuki Stadium.

Lifelong football fans, Philip and Michael were given the opportunity of a lifetime when they were welcomed for the ultimate viewing of Saturday’s Cheltenham vs Stevenage game. 

Speaking of the experience, Philip said: “It was a great experience – especially as my family all support the Robins!”

Michael added: “It was great to be at a live game again – the game was a particularly tense one and well-played by both teams!”

Dorothy Pye, Home Manager at Sandfields, said: “Everyone here at Sandfields knows Philip and Michael are huge football fans – they never miss watching a match in the lounge.

“Philip and Michael were delighted to be invited along to the stadium and watch the match in person – the visit prompted residents to share their own memories of football matches in their younger years and share stories from their favourite football teams.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the team over at Cheltenham FC for providing such a wonderful experience for Philip and Michael as well as to the team here at Sandfields for arranging a wonderful day – we’re already looking forward to the next match!”

Sandfields 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.