Chester care home residents given VIP tour at Everton FC

Corinne Clarke, 87, and Howard Dodds, 75, were taken on a surprise trip to the football ground by team members at Care UK's Deewater Grange, on Chester Road. The two fans had talked in detail about their decades-long devotion to Everton and often reminisced on memories spent watching the team in action.

The team at Deewater Grange contacted the club after Corinne and Howard expressed their lifelong wish of going behind the scenes of their favourite club.

Corinne has always been an Everton supporter and was taken along to matches with her family growing up. Her passion for football and the club was contagious, with almost all three generations of her family following suit and going blue.

Corinne and Howard hold aloft an Everton scarf at Goodison Park (Image: Deewater Grange)

Howard’s love for Everton began at the age of sixteen after his father started taking him to home and away games. He often recalls sitting in the Bullens Road stand. After meeting his wife, he soon converted her to an avid Everton fan too and the pair used to go to matches together regularly.

The club treated Corinne and Howard by offering them the full VIP treatment with a private tour around the changing rooms, boardrooms, grounds, trophy room and the pitch to see where all the action happens.

Commenting on the surprise visit Corinne said: "The experience of going back to Goodison Park after all these years was absolutely marvellous, fabulous – just brilliant."

Sally Cooper, Home Manager at Deewater Grange, said: "Corinne and Howard both speak so fondly of the memories they’ve made as Everton fans, so we were really excited to be able to make their wish of returning to Goodison Park for a special tour after so many years come true. We always like to go the extra-mile for residents here at Deewater Grange, and bring their wishes to life, no matter how small – or unusual.

"The pair were delighted to be back at Everton’s home ground – even making their way through the tunnel and onto the pitch. It was fantastic to see Corinne and Howard revelling in the visit and we were so pleased we could create another meaningful Everton memory for them."