A devoted care home worker organised the perfect gift for a life-long Ipswich Town supporter living at the home – when she arranged for captain Luke Chambers’ shirt to be signed by the entire team.
Hillcroft House administrator Julie Smith arranged the present for David Crisp after he moved into the Stowmarket facility, run by the Healthcare Homes group, in July last year.
On hearing Mr Crisp, originally from Needham Market, followed the Blues, she contacted her friend and neighbour Carl Collins - who happens to be head chef and Ipswich Town's catering operations manager.
"When Carl heard about David, he and Ipswich's kit-man, James Pullen, arranged for the captain's match-worn shirt to be signed by the entire Ipswich team, and presented to David," said Ms Smith.
"As someone who listens to every Ipswich match on the radio and reads all of the match reports in the local newspaper, David was absolutely thrilled to receive the shirt. He will absolutely treasure that shirt, I'm sure.
"I'd like to extend a huge thank you to Carl and James for helping to arrange the surprise for David, and to the whole Ipswich team for their kind and generous gesture."
Jon Hammond, manager of Hillcroft House, added: "I would like to say a special thank you to Julie, whose caring, thoughtful and kind nature initiated this wonderful idea.
"She is a great example of how taking an interest in residents' hobbies is just as important to someone's well-being as is the physical care they may need - it really makes a difference to our residents and I would like to personally thank you for going the extra mile."
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