The DurhamGate Care Home recently hosted an event to celebrate the FA Cup final clash between Manchester United and Manchester City. This gathering was enjoyed by the residents, many of whom are devoted supporters of Newcastle United. The anticipation and excitement for the final match were palpable, with the presence of Doreen Hughes, a passionate fan whose brother, Gordon Hughes, had represented Newcastle United in the 1950s, adding a special familial connection to the event.
The care home transformed its cinema room into a football haven, providing residents with an enjoyable experience while they cheered on their preferred team on the big screen. The atmosphere was lively, complete with halftime ice creams and a classic pie and peas dinner served at the final whistle.
Doreen’s support for Manchester City in the final was tied to the potential benefits for Newcastle’s qualification for the UEFA Conference League. This unfaltering backing for Newcastle United is shared with her brother, Gordon Hughes, a former winger for the team who made 143 appearances and netted 19 goals during his time at St. James’s Park.
Reflecting on the gathering, Doreen expressed, “It might not have been the result we were hoping for, but what an experience it was! I felt like I was right there on the pitch. Next time, I’ll have to invite my brother to join me. He’d absolutely love it!”
The residents also cherished the opportunity to watch the match in the company of their loved ones. Joanna Stanford, the Lifestyle Manager at DurhamGate, expressed her delight at the success of the event, stating, “We’re thrilled to have a space like this where we can turn games like this into a real event. The only thing that could have made the day better would be if we had seen North Eastern teams in the final.”
Samantha, the Front of House Manager, added, “It has been wonderful to spend the afternoon with the residents, watching the match on our cinema screen. As the home continues to grow, I can only imagine the atmosphere over the summer months as our residents cheer on England in the Euros!”
The FA Cup final celebration at The DurhamGate Care Home served as more than just a viewing; it united the residents in communal delight and sporting camaraderie. Looking ahead to the summer, the home is eagerly anticipating more such events, particularly as the residents look forward to supporting England in the upcoming Euros.