News / charity
Care home resident’s appetite improves after going to Bristol City game for first time
A 74-year-old Bristol City fan was gifted the opportunity to watch his favourite team play live, for the first time in his life.
Dave Haynes, who has lived in Bristol his whole life, has advanced dementia and has been completely immobile for the past five years.
The former forklift driver sent his wish to go to Ashton Gate Stadium to charity, Alive Activities and his dream became a reality through its community engagement project, the Wishing Washing Line West.
is needed now More than ever
Since watching the beautiful game, Dave’s carers and nurse have noticed a positive difference in him and say his appetite has improved.
Dave, who has advanced dementia, was gifted the opportunity to watch his favourite team play live, for the first time in his life – photo: Maria Jones and Jenny Radford
The charity contacted the Bristol Robins Foundation and told them about Dave’s wish and the foundation provided him with four free tickets for Bristol vs Watford on November 12.
Dave. who has no family to call his own, attended with two of his carers from Robinson House Care Home and one of Alive Activities’ trustees, Andrew Wood.
Andrew, who co-owns a home care business, said: “You could clearly see the love both the amazing carers have for Dave.
“It was an emotional day and even though Dave could not communicate all that he felt verbally, seeing his smiles during the match said everything.”
Massive thanks to @robinsfound for making Dave’s wish to visit his first ever (!) Bristol City football match come true last weekend! ⚽ Everyone had a fantastic time ❤#wishingwashinglinewest #BristolCity #lightinguplaterlife #Bristol #localwisheslocalpeople pic.twitter.com/OfJedcQuH7
— Wishing Washing Line West (@wwlwest) November 15, 2022
Maria Jones, activities coordinator at Robinson House, was one of Dave’s carers who went to the game with him. She said: “Jenny, Dave’s nurse, has said there has been a 100 per cent positive difference because of this trip. Dave’s appetite has improved. He likes to talk to staff about his day out and he is very proud of his football top.
“Dave has a large frame filled with photos of the day and there is also one in the corridor. Not only was this trip amazing for Dave but all the staff were so thrilled for him too. We will never forget this day.
“To see the smiles on Dave’s face just melted our hearts. It was an absolute privilege to be a part of Dave’s day and we are forever grateful to the Wishing Washing Line West, Alive Activities and Bristol City Robins Foundation, for making Dave’s wish come true.”
You can find out more about Wishing Washing Line West and the other wishes it provides online.
Photos: Maria Jones and Jenny Radford
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