78-year-old Carol Stiles, a lifelong fan of Chelsea FC and resident at Care UK’s Mildenhall Lodge, on St Johns Close, got the full VIP treatment when her wish to return to Stamford Bridge, where she used to cheer on the team alongside her husband, came true.
Carol, who attended school between Chelsea and Fulham, was made to choose between the two teams and at the age of 17 decided to support Chelsea FC. Carol has watched the games at Stamford Bridge and at home, but of course had a lot more enjoyment watching the games with family and friends at Stamford Bridge itself.
After marrying her husband Derek, a fellow Chelsea FC fan, in 1963, the pair regularly watched matches at Stamford Bridge until they moved to Bury St Edmunds in 1966.
Carol made her wish to watch one more Chelsea FC match in person on the Mildenhall Lodge Wishing Tree, a special Care UK initiative that enables residents to revisit old hobbies and passions 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 team to try and grant.
Keen to kick things off, the team at Mildenhall Lodge quickly got to work and sent a letter to Stamford Bridge expressing Carol’s love for the club. In response, the club wrote back to Carol, and that letter is now framed in her room. It ended with, "We hope to see you at Stamford Bridge soon."
Unbeknownst to her, the team had also organised for Carol to attend a match, and she was soon being whisked away to the famous stadium to watch her beloved team take on Ipswich in the Premier League.
On the day, superfan Carol enjoyed watching the game, which ended 2-2, and shared her memories of match days from the past, including key players through the decades, and the club's history. She fondly reminisced about her trips to the ground with her husband. In addition, Carol brought a scarf from the merchandise shop with her favourite player Cole Palmers, face on.
Commenting on the visit, Carol said: “It was amazing to go back to Chelsea, to reminisce as we drove through Chelsea and walked along the streets, it all brought back so many memories.
“I got emotional when they played “blue is the colour” out of the huge speakers. This song was chosen for my husband’s funeral as a surprise from our kids. Walking out in front of the field, brought back so many good memories of me and Derek when we used to watch the games, it was so amazing.
“The best part for me was wearing my Cole Palmer scarf, sitting right at the front, watching Chelsea score 2 goals and celebrating with other Chelsea fans!”
Hannah Nurse, Home Manager at Mildenhall Lodge, said: “Carol is a huge Chelsea FC fan, so we made it our mission to give her 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 dreams a reality. Carol had a fantastic time and hasn’t stopped talking about the game since!
“I want to say a massive thank you to Chelsea FC, and the team here at Mildenhall Lodge, who helped make Carol’s wish come true!”
Mildenhall Lodge is a modern care home providing full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the home has its own cinema, pub and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.
Those wishing to find out more about Mildenhall Lodge can contact Home Manager Hannah Nurse on 01638 779 190, or email hannah.nurse@careuk.com
For further information, visit careuk.com/mildenhall-lodge