A trip down Memory Lane for Wigan care home residents at Salford RLFC
Happy memories were revived as Wigan care home residents were treated to a rugby match at Salford RLFC
Residents of a Wigan care home enjoyed a trip down Memory Lane when they were gifted tickets to a Salford RLFC game.
Langtree Care Home residents Tom McCoy and John “Ron” Hacker headed to the CorpAcq stadium alongside lifestyle and enrichment coordinator Chris Hayes, to watch Salford take on Doncaster at home.
For Tom, who grew up in Salford, the trip was particularly special. A regular at Salford games in the 1960s when the club played at The Willows, he had not attended a match in more than 40 years.
The outing gave him the chance to revisit fond memories of watching his team play on Friday nights with friends and to see how much the game has changed over the years.
Salford moved from The Willows to their current home in 2012, making the visit a completely new experience for Tom despite his long connection with the club.
While the result wasn't quite what the home supporters had hoped for, spirits remained high throughout the afternoon, with Tom and Ron thoroughly enjoying being among the crowd.
Tom said:
"I started going with a couple of mates in 1960 when I was about 18. It was unbelievable to go back and watch them again after all these years, superb. It was great to go with Chris too, as he's very knowledgeable about rugby, so he was able to tell me about all the rule changes.
“It was a great day and it was great to reminisce."
Ron, an Army veteran, is also a keen sports and fitness enthusiast and regularly uses the Boston Active Fitness Suite at Langtree.
The outing gave him the opportunity to enjoy a live sporting event while spending quality time with fellow resident Tom.
Chris, a passionate rugby fan and player himself, joined the Langtree team earlier this year and has been keen to introduce more sporting opportunities for residents.
In April, he hosted a Good Friday rugby watch party at the home, which proved popular with residents and their loved ones.
Chris's addition to the Langtree team forms part of Millennium Care's ongoing commitment to tackling MIiCH (Male Isolation in Care Homes).
Research has shown that men are often in the minority within care settings and can struggle to engage with activities that have traditionally been more female-focused.
Sport has proved a valuable way of bringing residents together through shared interests, encouraging conversation, reminiscence and meaningful social connections.
Chris said: "The trip was really successful in terms of what we're trying to achieve through MIiCH.
“Seeing Tom and Ron enjoying each other's company and bonding over a sport they both enjoy was fantastic.
“It was great to watch them spend time together outside their usual routine, sharing memories and experiences throughout the day.
“It brought me a real sense of pride and showed just how valuable these opportunities can be for the residents."
The focus on creating meaningful experiences for male residents extends beyond organised trips and events.