Cheadle care home helps make Man City superfans’ lifelong wish come true

A Cheadle care home resident took a trip down memory lane at his favourite football team’s home ground.

Lifelong Manchester City fan Kevin Connery, age 79, from Care UK’s Abney Court, in Abney Hall Park, had talked in detail about his decades-long devotion to Manchester City FC and often reminisced about the times he spent watching the team in action.

So, when the team at Abney Court learnt that Kevin wished to have a behind the scenes experience at the Etihad Stadium, they immediately got to work and contacted the club.

On the day, Kevin was able to take a walk around the stadium and pitch, as well as receiving a special tour of the trophy room. 

Kevin said: “I had an amazing day, thank you for arranging it for me.”

The Manchester City FC passion runs in the family for Kevin, as he enjoys watching the games with his sons, Martin and John Connery. He has been a superfan since his childhood and Kevin’s favourite player was midfielder, Colin Bell, who scored an impressive 153 goals for the club.

Zoe Smart, Home Manager at Abney Court, said: “Kevin speaks so fondly of the memories he’s made as a Man City fan, so we were really excited to be able to make his wish of returning to Etihad Stadium for a special tour after so many years come true. We always like to go the extra mile for residents here at Abney Court, and bring their wishes to life, no matter how small – or unusual. 

“Kevin was delighted to be back at City’s home ground – even making his way through the tunnel and onto the pitch. It was fantastic to see him revelling in the visit and we were so pleased we could create another meaningful Man City memory for him.”

Abney Court has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.