Coventry City FC Stars Make Special Visit To Coventry Home In Aid Of World Alzheimer’s Month

The players spend plenty of time talking to residents and their loved ones about their favourite Coventry City FC memories

Two stars from Coventry City Football Club made their way over to a Coventry home and spent time with residents and their loved ones in aid of World Alzheimer’s Month.

Liam Kitching and Bobby Thomas, both play as defenders for Coventry City Football Club, visited MHA Abbey Park along with representatives from the clubs charity arm, Sky Blues in the community.

The pair spent their time chatting to residents about their favourite memories, signing shirts and singing club songs

The group was also accompanied by their therapy dog, Winnie who was a huge hit with everyone at the home.

The home arranged for plenty of refreshments and light snacks to reminisce what you get at a game, including a selection of pukka pies.

MHA Abbey Park provides residential, dementia and nursing care for 84 residents.

Speaking after the visit, Beth McKinney, activities coordinator said:
“We were approached by the football club who wanted to visit, asking if we had any fans of the club and thankfully we did so they arranged to come and see them.

“A lot of our residents didn’t recognise the players but recognised the badge and the sky blue kit which was nice.

“They were remembering games from the past as some of our residents have been Coventry City fans from the 40s.

“It was a real trip down memory lane for them, and you could see the pride on their faces when they were talking about their favourite games and players.

“When we told residents’ family members what was arranged, a lot of them who would go to the games with their loved ones were really excited and we did get a good turnout.

“We created a similar atmosphere to what you would get at the game with a selection of beers, pukka pies and cakes.

“It was a lovely atmosphere during the visit, the players and the rest of the team from Coventry City Football Club were great and really interacted with our residents and their family members.

“I posted about the visit on the local Facebook groups here in Coventry as well as a football group, and it’s gone really well, we had a lot of reactions and some amazing comments.

“It was a great day and one that our residents and loved ones won’t forget in a hurry.”

John Szyndler, Health Manager for Sky Blues in the Community, added:
“It’s lovely for Bobby and Liam to take time out of their schedule to make a difference in the community.

Some of these residents are huge Coventry City fans, so it means a lot to them to meet players from the club they love.

Most importantly, this visit was about raising awareness for World Alzheimer’s Month and the effects it has not only on people living with dementia but also their families.”