Former Premier League player visits MHA Charnwood House along with special guest

Coventry City may not have won their Semifinal clash with Manchester United on Sunday, but they did win the hearts of many, including staff and residents at MHA Charnwood House.

Former Sky Blues defender and current head of community David Busst and his colleagues from Sky Blues in the Community visited the Coventry home.

The home provides residential dementia care for 65 residents. 

The visit took place prior to their semifinal clash, which residents watched together in one of the lounges at the home with their Coventry City football shirts, scarves and flags.

David was accompanied by John Szyndler, Mental Health and Well-being Manager and his PAT dog Winnie.

The residents had a wonderful time mingling with the former premier league defender, but it was Winnie who got first prize for popularity on the day.

Ellen Bishop, activity coordinator said: “ Most of the residents here are Coventry City fans so when we told them what was happening they were really excited.

“Not long after I joined the home, I arranged a residents meeting where we spoke about how we can engage the residents' family members into the activities we do and make them community focused.

“One of the resident's family members knew John and that's how the connection was made.

“The visit went really well, David and his team interacted with residents and spoke about his time as a player amongst other things.

“Winne was an absolute star, really well behaved and the residents really enjoyed the day.

“We all watched the semi final together and even though the result didn't go our way, it was a splendid game.”

David Busst shared the sentiment, adding: “Football has the power to bring people together and we saw that today. 

It was great to see all the residents and have a chat about football and listen to some of their own stories and interests.”