Mariners Legends Kick Off Sporting Memories Sessions
Grimsby Town heroes Dave Boylen and Stewart Gray shared their footballing achievements during the first Sporting Memories session at Blundell Park.
The Sporting Memories Foundation Cleethorpes and Grimsby group was set up with support from HMT St Hugh’s Hospital and Friendship at Home to help people combat isolation, loneliness and the impact of dementia through conversations around sport.
Ten people attended the first meeting on Tuesday 16th January which took place in the Mariners Trust’s Young’s Lower Bar at Grimsby Town Football Club.
Midfielder Dave Boylen, who played for the club from 1966 to 1978, and defender Stewart Gray, who played between 1970 and 1978, took centre stage to share memories of their glory days and answer questions.
Jimmy Charlton (63), an avid Grimsby Town fan and one-time Mariners club mascot, said: “I really enjoyed the session as it was open to anyone with an interest in sport, regardless of whether they could relate to the issues around dementia and loneliness.
“I used to play a lot of local football and I’m now part of a walking football group. I’m a big Grimsby Town fan, so I was keen to come along and find out more about Sporting Memories.
“I’ve enjoyed it so much, I’ll be encouraging my friends to come along to the next session.”
During the session the group shared memories of watching and playing sport, prompted by discussions and reflection on photo albums, scrapbooks and newspaper articles.
Sporting Memories Group Leader Kristine Green said: “It was lovely to see members of the local community coming together to talk so passionately about their shared love of sport.
“We’ve tried to make the sessions as accessible as possible, not just for those who are feeling isolated or living with dementia. The sessions are held in Young’s Lower Bar, so that people with mobility problems don’t have to worry about stairs.
“I’m grateful to both Friendship at Home and HMT St Hugh’s Hospital for their support in making the sessions possible and I’m looking forward to welcoming new members each week.”
As well as an upcoming programme of sporting heroes, Kristine plans for the group to engage in gentle exercise through competitive sports such as boccia and indoor curling.
HMT St Hugh’s Hospital made an initial donation of £5,000 as part of its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the local community. This money will be used to buy sports equipment and pay for the ongoing running costs of the group throughout 2018.
Meanwhile, Friendship at Home will be signposting members of their groups to Sporting Memories and will attend the sessions to offer advice and guidance to anyone who needs it.
For more information about Sporting Memories or to confirm your attendance, email Kristine Green on Kristine@marinerstrust.co.uk or join the group every Tuesday from 10am until midday, in Young’s Lower Bar at Grimsby Town Football Club.
To find out more about HMT St Hugh’s Hospital’s community work, visit: https://hmthospitals.org/st-hughs/community/.
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Notes for editors:
- St Hugh’s Hospital is owned and managed by the Healthcare Management Trust (HMT) a registered charity and not for profit organisation which was established in 1985.
- HMT is committed to the development of facilities, local health promotion and funding medical research.
- St Hugh’s specialises in the delivery of cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic, ENT and general surgery to private and NHS patients.
- The hospital is part of the Choose and Book scheme which allows any patient in the UK to select St Hugh’s as their hospital of choice for a number of procedures.
- St Hugh’s is dedicated to its community and runs a range of activities to encourage healthy lifestyles in its staff, patients and the public.
- Follow St Hugh’s on Facebook www.facebook.com/hmtsthughshos… and Twitter https://twitter.com/HMTStHughs to keep up to date with the latest news.
- For more information about the hospital and the procedures available please visit the website: http://hmthospitals.org/st-hug…
