A former professional football player enjoyed a very special trip down memory lane for his birthday – thanks to Weymouth Football Club.
Brian Carter turned 80 this week and used to play for Portsmouth, where he was paid the highest transfer fee for that year.
But it was Weymouth where his career started, and he began playing there in 1955.
Now living with dementia, staff at Gracewell of Weymouth, where Mr Carter now lives, planned a special celebration.
Homes admissions advisor at the home Esther Shepherd arranged for him to go and watch a game, share his memories and meet some of the current Terras players.
Esther said: “Brian is living with dementia and to be able to help bring to life some of his memories meant the world to him and his family.”
Gracewell arranged for his birthday experience to be filmed professionally, and this will be given to Brian on a DVD so that he can always remember it.
Esther added: “The evening at Weymouth football was absolutely fantastic. Brian couldn’t believe he was back where his football career started. Brian really enjoyed chatting the “lads” he called them. He said “ well football is a gentleman’s sports and these lads are true gents to come and see me on my birthday it’s amazing”.”
Mr Carter was able to meet Paul Maitland, director of Weymouth football club, Mark Molesley, football manager, Josh McQuiod, forward for Weymouth and Ashley Wells, club captain.
Esther said: “The experience was made even more amazing when Weymouth managed to put their first goal in the back of the net. By the end of the the game Weymouth had won 2-1.
“Brian was overjoyed and even though it was a very cold evening he said he couldn’t have asked for a better birthday.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Weymouth Football for making Brian and his family so welcome. It really was something extra special.”
