Attending another Newcastle Knights game with his family was always a dream for long-time Knights fan, John Wilson.
Thanks to Southern Cross Care aged care facility and the Club, Mr Wilson was treated to an exclusive family experience at the football in Round 24 when the Knights took on the Gold Coast Titans.
The not for profit aged care facility started an initiative two years ago to build a social profile 'Life Story Book' for each resident, which is specially written and prepared by the lifestyle team.
The book is a living book, which means it covers the resident’s life from their youth, adult years through to present day. The team continues to add to the story during their time at the facility. Once the book is closed the team presents it to the family as a lasting memory.
“Toward the end of it we ask our residents if they have any unfulfilled goals or goals they would like to achieve in their life and we work on how we can achieve those,” Phil Atkins, the Lifestyle Coordinator at Southern Cross Care said.
For resident Mr Wilson, a much loved past time he wanted to relive was attending Newcastle Knights games.
“I have been a Knights supported since they started,” Mr Wilson said.
Mr Wilson brought up a family of three in Warners Bay with his wife of 52 years, Barbara.
After a career working at Lake Macquarie Council, Mr Wilson has enjoyed watching his five grandchildren grow.
He fondly recollects going to games with his family “years ago”, so the Club was only too pleased to allow him and his family to create a special memory at the Round 24 Titans match in an open-air box at Hunter Stadium.
“It has changed a lot, the ground itself is better now than it ever was before,” he said.
“I like the game itself and the excitement here with the atmosphere.
“I always like to see the young players come though.”
Blake Wilson, John’s grandson was thrilled to be at the game and said he would treasure the family experience and the opportunity to spend quality time with his grandparents.
“Pop used to take us to a few games when we were younger and even took us on the bus to away games,” he said.
“It’s good to come here with Pop today.
“I think he loves the big crowd. It’s a good day.”
Mr Atkins said Mr Wilson had been excited about attending the football and was proud to help him achieve the goal.
“We are so thankful to the Knights. We only expected one or two seats but to give a full box. It’s allowed Mr Wilson’s whole family to enjoy an unforgettable day,” he said.
“Some people think when they go into aged care, life ends there. It doesn’t. At Southern Cross care our motto is to live life to the fullest.”
