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Care Resident Richard McQueen Celebrates Centenary with Special Surprise from Wycombe Wanderers

Surrey Heights Dementia Care Centre, part of CHD Living, recently marked a significant milestone as resident Richard McQueen celebrated his 100th birthday with a touching tribute from Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. The club honoured Richard’s lifelong support by sending a personalised football shirt with ‘McQueen 100’ proudly displayed on the back, along with a special birthday card.

Richard’s connection to Wycombe Wanderers runs deep, with his love for the team spanning several generations. Born in 1925 in Flackwell Heath, Richard’s father, James Albert McQueen, was a renowned goalkeeper, playing for top European clubs including Marseille, Juventus, and Torino. The McQueen family moved to Colensbury Road in High Wycombe for James’ teaching role at a local boys’ school, further cementing their ties to the local football scene.

Through the kind efforts of the Wycombe Wanderers Ex-Players Association, additional details of Richard’s sporting legacy have been uncovered, revealing a rich family history in both football and cricket. Records show that Richard’s brother, Brian McQueen, played five games for Wycombe reserves during the 1947/48 season and was also a notable cricketer for High Wycombe Cricket Club. Richard himself proudly represented Wycombe Wanderers reserves in November 1947 – even though he didn’t play, he recalls how he was amused when a supporter asked him for his autograph – a memory that still brings a smile to his face today. At 100 yrs old, Richard is thought to be the oldest living Wycombe Wanderers player.

There is also evidence suggesting that Richard’s father, James, played for the club’s reserve team in 1937. These discoveries have brought immense joy to Richard, rekindling cherished memories from his youth.

Despite his dementia diagnosis, Richard’s passion for Wycombe Wanderers remains strong. He often asks the care home team to put matches on TV and enthusiastically shares his footballing memories with fellow residents and team members.

Karen Roberts, Wellbeing Coordinator at Surrey Heights, who organised the birthday surprise, said:
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to see Richard’s passion for football recognised in such a special way. Football has always been at the heart of Richard’s life, and this surprise has brought him and his family so much joy. We are incredibly grateful to Wycombe Wanderers and the Ex-Players Association for helping us uncover more of Richard’s footballing history and for their kindness in making his 100th birthday celebration so memorable.”

Sarah, Richard’s daughter, added:
“I had been a little apprehensive about how the celebrations would go, but I needn’t have worried – it turned out to be such a special day. Seeing Dad so engaged, smiling, and chatting with his grandsons and the wonderful team at Surrey Heights was truly heartwarming. The care and effort that went into the day were incredible, and I cannot thank Karen enough for encouraging me to go ahead with it. She went above and beyond to make it perfect, even reaching out to Wycombe Wanderers to ensure Dad’s passion for the club was recognised in such a meaningful way. It’s a day we will all cherish forever.”

Matt Cecil, Head of Media at Wycombe Wanderers, said:
“It was fantastic to hear from the team at Surrey Heights Dementia Care Centre that we had a former playing reaching his 100th birthday, and were delighted to be asked to send a personalised shirt and birthday card to mark the occasion.”

“Our Ex-Players Association do a wonderful job in maintaining and rekindling relationships with hundreds of players who’ve represented us over the years, but Richard is someone who had slipped under their radar until now! So happy birthday Richard on behalf of everyone at Wycombe Wanderers, and thank you to everyone at the care home for making it such a special celebration for him.”