The lifelong wish of two Everton fans came true last week when they went on a very special trip.
Corrine Clarke, 89 and Howard Dodds, 75, friends and neighbours at a care home in Chester, have both been huge Everton fans since they were children. In their spare time the pair share fond memories they have of being part of the club's passionate fanbase, and about how they would both love to return to Goodison Park after all these years.
Recently Corrine and Howard's dream came true, when the organisers of their home, Deewater Grange on the outskirts of Chester, decided to fulfil their wish and took them on an special all-access tour of Goodison Park. The pair were "delighted" by the surprise, reports Cheshire Live.
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Corinne has always been an Everton supporter and went 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 as Blues fans. Howard’s love for Everton began at the age of sixteen after his father started taking him to home and away games.
He recalls sitting in the Bullens Road stand. After meeting his wife, he soon converted her to become an avid Everton fan and the pair would attend matches together regularly.
Everton FC treated Corinne and Howard to the full VIP treatment with a private tour of the changing rooms, boardrooms, grounds, trophy room and the pitch to see where all the action happens. A delighted 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, added: “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.”
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