Church Crookham care home resident enjoys VIP experience at Aldershot Town Football Club

 

A Church Crookham care home resident scored big when he returned to his favourite football club to watch a match.

94-year-old Bernard Potter, a lifelong fan of Aldershot Town FC and resident at Care UK’s Bourley Grange on Bourley Road, got the full VIP treatment when his wish came true to return to The Recreation Ground (currently known as the EBB Stadium), where he used to cheer his team along as a young boy. 

Bernard, who was born in Aldershot, began supporting Aldershot Town FC when he was 15-years-old. Throughout his childhood, Bernard would often visit the football club on a Saturday with his Dad. 

Bernard made his wish on the Bourley Grange care home’s Wishing Tree, a special initiative that enables residents to revisit old hobbies or try something new. Whether it’s a fish and chip supper, a skydive or watching a football match, no wish is too big or small for the Care UK team to try and grant.

Keen to kick things off, the team at Bourley Grange quickly got to work, partnering with Aldershot Town FC to organise a special surprise, inviting Bernard to the match for a full VIP experience. 

On the day, superfan Bernard enjoyed watching the game and sharing his memories of match days from the past, key players over the decades, and the history of the club, while reminiscing on his trips to the ground as a young boy to watch the ‘shots’ 

Commenting on the visit, Bernard said: “It was great to go back and watch a match. I loved the whole game and returning to the ground brought back so many happy memories from my childhood.”

Racquel Merdegia, General Manager at Bourley Grange, said: “Bernard is a big Aldershot Town FC fan, so we made it our mission to give him the opportunity to watch the team play again. 

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and ambitions and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Bernard had a fantastic time and hasn’t stopped talking about the game since!  

“I want to say a massive thank you to Aldershot Town FC, and the team here at Bourley Grange, who helped make Bernard’s wish come true!”  

Bourley Grange has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care.