Ilkley care home makes football fans dreams come true

A resident at a care home in Ilkley has had their long-held wish fulfilled with a pitch-perfect outing.  

When the team at Care UK’s Mayfield View, on Lower Railway Road, heard about football fan Cameron Stewart’s desire to get back in the stands, they set out to give him the full VIP experience.

His love for the beautiful game began in childhood, when Cameron started supporting Bradford City. His passion has never waned, and he often shares sporting memories with the care home team.

On the special trip, Cameron enjoyed a VIP tour of the stadium, having the opportunity to look around the changing rooms and learn about the history of the club. 

Cameron said: “It took me back to the feeling of excitement of attending the stadium for a big match and enjoying the day with my friends and family.” 

Cameron’s experience was made possible thanks to Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. From skiing trips to a fish and chip supper, the programme is designed to help residents lead fulfilling lives.

Katie Cliff, Home Manager at Mayfield View, said: “We are always looking for ways to make residents’ wishes come true. So, when Cameron expressed his desire to revisit the stadium, we knew we had to make it a reality.

“Seeing the smile on his face throughout the trip was truly priceless. It was a special day filled with joy and excitement – and he couldn’t stop talking about it for the rest of the week!

“A big thank you to the club and the wonderful team at Mayfield View for making the experience so memorable. It was fantastic to be part of it.”

Designed to enable residents to lead active and rewarding lives, while also promoting independence, Mayfield View incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities with its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care.