89-Year-Old Aston Villa Fan Visits Villa Park for the First Time in a Decade

Littleton Lodge care home resident, 89-year-old James ‘Jim’ Faultless, ‘couldn’t believe it’ when staff at the care home surprised him with a trip to watch his favourite football team play.

Jim, who moved into Littleton Lodge in February 2022, has been a proud Aston Villa supporter since the age of fifteen and loved to play football with his friends.

Earlier this year, Jim expressed to the care team at Littleton Lodge how much he wished he could watch an Aston Villa match at the football club’s home grounds as he used to with his family.

Determined to grant Jim’s wish, the care team organised for Jim and his daughters to watch Aston Villa play Leicester City at Villa Park in Birmingham. This was the first match Jim had been to in ten years. Jim said,

‘It was such a lovely atmosphere, and a great feeling to be able to watch a game again after so many years.

‘I was shocked when I found out I was going to watch a game! My son brought my hat and scarf for me to take. It’s a day I’m never going to forget – I’m still so happy and I keep telling people about the match, I couldn’t believe it!’

Alex Ragusa, the Care Manager at Littleton Lodge, said,

‘Jim was elated when we arrived at Villa Park to support his favourite team. We’re always looking for ways to ensure our residents continue to enjoy the things they love and want to offer them an aspirational lifestyle that they can be proud of. 

‘It was great to see the smile on Jim’s face the day of the match, we’re so glad that we could grant his wish. We can’t wait to see whose wish we can grant next!’

To find out more about Littleton Lodge, please call 01543 399 640 or email Littleton.lodge@idealcarehomes.co.uk.

Littleton Lodge is a purpose-built luxury residential and dementia care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. With 66 ensuite bedrooms, it has landscaped gardens and a full and varied activities programme. Littleton Lodge offers an all-inclusive fee, designed to give residents and their families peace of mind without having the worry of any extra costs.