Four years ago, Cardiff City Football Club’s Disabled Supporters’ Association began its partnership with the Llandough Centre for Specialist Spinal and Neurological Rehabilitation and the University Hospital Llandough.
The DSA arranges for patients and carers to attend home fixtures at Cardiff City Stadium, with opportunities to meet former players on the day. They also provide stadium tours, kindly supported by Cardiff City FC Community Foundation.
The link allows a way of supporting patients at Llandough to get off the ward and back into the community. Often, patients find themselves in the unit for several months and so re-integration in such a manner is often a valued and emotional step for those involved.
This community work is made possible for the DSA and those it supports by virtue of monies taken at fundraising events over the course of a season. You can find out more about the work they do by following the DSA on Instagram (@cardiffcityfcdsa) or clicking here to become a member.
Earlier this month, DSA Chair Kieran Jones and Keith Edwards from the Cardiff City Travel Group visited in-patient John Davies (pictured centre) on his 80th birthday. On behalf of the Club and the DSA, Kieran presented John with a City shirt – acknowledging his 70 years of supporting the Bluebirds. He’s looking forward to attending a game in the Championship with us next season.
At our fixture with Huddersfield Town last season, Tommy and John enjoyed a 3-2 win at CCS, meeting Ollie Tanner ahead of kick-off.
Speaking about the partnership and friendship, Kieran said: “We began our partnership with Llandough four years ago whilst remembering Claire Nokes, daughter of DSA President, Professor Len Nokes.
“Claire spent time on the unit during the days in which it was based at Rookwood hospital, receiving unbelievable care and love prior to her passing in 2017. In her memory, our special ties and links with the rehabilitation unit have grown.
“The DSA helps facilitate for patients to attend Cardiff City home fixtures throughout the season, providing specialist transport through fundraising and with tickets donated by the Club. More than a dozen patients have enjoyed matches with us already.
“To see the look on the patients’ faces at games is really priceless and enforces just how important this work is. A simple day out with the Bluebirds can be a major step in a person’s recovery.”