The Champions’ League match against Paris Saint Germain on Tuesday 29th April was the first time she’d been in the ground, despite living just a mile away throughout its construction.
Doris was a guest of the club, thanks to the staff at Woodland Grove care home in Loughton, which she moved into last year, having lived independently in Highbury New Park until she was 101.
“It was amazing, I had a wonderful time!” she said. “I’d seen games at the old Highbury Stadium but I’ve never been in this new one and it moved me to tears. The club treated me like royalty, I so wish my family could have seen me!”
Doris was taken to the Emirates by staff from Woodland Grove and the night took off from the moment they reached the car park. She had a front row seat when the players came into the stadium, with a member of the PSG staff putting a lanyard round her neck as they got off the coach.
She was taken to a box to watch the game, which ended in 1-0 defeat for Arsenal, where she was brought gifts of biscuits, a scarf, a cuddly Gunnersaurus mascot and a portrait of one of the greatest ever players for the club, Thierry Henry.
Doris’s late husband Ron, and her close friend Bonnie, were huge Arsenal supporters. In the 1970s, Doris was even involved in organising school tours of the Highbury stadium when she worked at Highbury County Grammar. But in recent years, her following of the club’s fortunes had just been on the radio.
“I can’t thank Arsenal enough for what they did for Doris,” said Laura Woodroof, the resident hairdresser at Woodland Grove who organised the trip and accompanied Doris, along with carer, Paul Kurton.
“Organising this is a bit outside what I normally do but I love Doris, and I loved seeing what this meant to her, it moved me to tears as well! Aaron Heskins, Arsenal’s Disability Manager, was amazing. We were taken to the supporters’ lounge for drinks at half time and as soon as everyone knew it was her 102nd birthday, they all wanted photos with her, she was a real VIP.
"It was the most wonderful evening and Doris was flying when we got back, she couldn’t stop talking about it!”
Doris’ viewpoint was right above the away fans. She said she had hoped for a more positive result.
“I would have liked Arsenal to have won. The PSG fans had a drummer, and they chanted through the whole game, but it was a lovely atmosphere, I really enjoyed the game.”
Woodland Grove is a purpose-built care home on Rectory Lane which provides residential, nursing, memory and respite care for 72 residents.
Kind-hearted Laura has also arranged a bespoke birthday trip in the home’s minibus around the streets that mean so much to Doris.
“I think I’ve heard more of Doris’ stories than anyone while she’s been sitting in my chair,” Laura said. “I’ve learned all about her time in the ATS during the war, fixing engines on Army vehicles in Edmonton, her working at Pugh’s glass company in Clerkenwell, and the places she liked to go when she lived in Highbury.
“She’s a joy to be around and I was thrilled to be able to do this for her.”