A LIFELONG Middlesbrough football fan got to meet one of the club’s legends when he had a special tour of the grounds ahead of his 100th birthday.
Frank Pinkney, who has supported Boro since he was a boy, now lives in a care home but wanted to visit the Riverside Stadium before he turns 100 later this year.
The 99-year-old, who lives in Spennymoor, in County Durham, said he was treated like royalty during the trip, which saw him meet Middlesbrough legend Bernie Slaven.
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Carers at Lothian House care home made sure his birthday wish came true when they arranged the surprise visit this month.
It was arranged by Hollie Rhodes, a manager at the HC-One care home, who called the club to let them know their biggest fan was living half an hour away.
They were quick to respond and invited him for a visit.
Decked out in Middlesbrough football strip, Mr Pinkney and wellbeing coordinator Shelley Watson enjoyed a guided tour of the stadium.
She said: “Having been a fan for decades, Frank knew more about the club and its history than the tour guide and was the star of the show all day.”
He enjoyed chatting with Mr Slaven, who played for Middlesbrough between 1985 – 1993, and happened to be visiting the stadium on the same day.
Mr Pinkney, who turns 100 in November, said: “I had such an amazing day; I have been treated like royalty by the staff at Lothian House.”
Jill Carr, home manager at Lothian House, said: “This story captures our commitment that resident’s wishes and dreams, which are part of our quality of life programme at HC-One, are made to come true. I think stories like this are inspirational and can give hope to the wider older population.
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“Yet again, I am so proud of the way in which the team at Lothian House have worked together to enable Mr Pinkney’s lifelong dream to come true.”
Middlesbrough Football Club are also trying to arrange for Mr Pinkney to go to one of the home games in the upcoming season.
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