Batley care home resident enjoys special visit to Leeds United’s Elland Road
A resident from Lydgate Lodge Care Home in Batley enjoyed a memorable afternoon at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium after being invited along by the Leeds United Foundation.
Brian Shaw, a resident at the home, visited the iconic ground alongside Lydgate Lodge Lifestyle Manager Zoe Mortimer to celebrate the remarkable fundraising efforts of Leeds United Foundation instructor Sophie Dales.
Sophie completed a series of charity runs and walks to raise funds for sports equipment which has now been donated to Lydgate Lodge, helping support residents’ health and wellbeing through physical activity.
During the special visit, Brian and Zoe were treated to a tour of Elland Road and even had the opportunity to meet Leeds United players Alex Cairns and Lukas Nmecha.
Zoe Mortimer, Lifestyle Manager at Lydgate Lodge, said:“We had such an amazing time at Elland Road. Thank you so much to the Leeds United Foundation for inviting us to celebrate such a wonderful occasion, and a huge thank you to Sophie for all the incredible work she has done to raise funds to donate this equipment to our home. It will make such a difference to the wellbeing of our residents.”
The new equipment will be used during the home’s popular armchair exercise sessions, delivered by instructors from the Leeds United Foundation, helping residents stay active, engaged and socially connected.
Resident Brian Shaw, a lifelong football fan who regularly watches Leeds United matches with his son, said he thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Brian said: “I had a terrific day. I enjoy watching the Leeds games with my son, so it was great to meet some of the players and have a look around the stadium.”
Staff at Lydgate Lodge say the visit and the new equipment will play an important role in supporting residents’ physical and emotional wellbeing, while also strengthening the home’s links with the local community.