ELDERLY Tyneside care home residents have been “blown away” by a tribute to The Magpies created by teenagers from the club’s foundation.
Two groups from the Newcastle United FC Foundation National Citizen Service (NCS) visited Waverley Lodge Care Home, in Lemington, for their social action project.
One of those groups created an NUFC themed wall, complete with framed jerseys, scarves, photos of legendary players and a plaque with the iconic St James’ Park address, all supplied by the club.
The students, all aged 15-to-17, also painted famous landmarks on the wall, including the Tyne Bridge, the city’s castle, town moor and Baltic museum.
Alex Hewitson, a resident at the home and a lifelong member of the Toon Army, said: “We really love what the bairns have done for us. They’ve done a fantastic job.”
Fellow resident Ann Alexander added: “It’s lovely to walk out of my room and see the landmarks of Newcastle.”
The NCS students held a sponsored walk to raise funds to buy the materials for the paintings. This also included a vibrant kitchen and cooking themed mural, including toasters, kettles and mixers, in another corridor, completed by the other group.
The NUFC Foundation NCS team leader, Jordan Wragg, also brought in a presentation box containing a book detailing the history of the club, a DVD of old matches and a pack of NUFC themed playing cards.
Jordan donated the memorabilia, which belonged to his granddad, to another of the home’s Toon Army residents, Matty Ovington, who took a keen interest in the whole project.
Michelle Park, activities coordinator at Waverley Lodge Care Home, said: “We can’t thank the young people enough. They have done a fantastic job. Residents were blown away by the art work on the Toon Army wall.
“The students spoke to residents about football and the old stadium. They were engaging and respectful and laughed along together when sharing stories about going to football games.
“Our resident Matty, a Newcastle United super fan, was absolutely over the moon with memorabilia given to him by Jordan. It’s already taken pride of place in his room and we’re sure he will treasure it.
“A massive thank you to the NUFC Foundation for their ongoing support and we hope to work with them again in future.”