Whitstable care home resident fulfills wish to return to the West Ham Stands

A Whitstable care home resident received a surprise behind-the-scenes trip to see her favourite football team’s stadium. 

Majorie Hand, 100 years young and a lifelong West Ham football fan and resident at Care UK’s Harrier Lodge on Thanet Way, was surprised by team members with a goal-orious trip to London Stadium for an exclusive look behind-the-scenes. 

When the team at Harrier Lodge learnt that Marjorie has followed every West Ham game since she was just a child the team were determined to score big, and take Marjorie to see West Ham’s stadium – something she has been longing to do but never thought she would be able to.  

On the day, Marjorie enjoyed an exclusive tour around the player’s dressing rooms before enjoying a stroll around the team’s football pitch. 

Marjorie’s love for football first started when she was a young girl, Marjorie enjoyed going to the home games at Upton Park with her father and can still describe what the stands were like and how she used to get to the games.

Commenting on the stadium, Marjorie said: “The whole day was perfect from start to end – I just couldn’t believe it when the team told me where I was going! I even got to go into the dressing room where the boys go!”

The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Sadie Porteous, Home Manager at Harrier Lodge, said: “We always like to go the extra mile for residents here at Harrier Lodge, so the team were delighted to tackle Marjorie’s wish to see West Ham’s stadium. 

Marjorie always speaks fondly of the many years she has spent supporting West Ham and the happy memories of match day growing up. We were so pleased to be able to give her the opportunity to reminisce in a place that has meant so much to her since her childhood.

“Everyone had such a fantastic day and we all have our fingers crossed for more wins later this season – Up The Hammers!”

Harrier Lodge is a purpose-built care home which has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care for up to 65 older people in Whitstable, and incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, including its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.