The kindness of strangers
The kindness of strangers
With Gary’s health condition sounding worse by the day we’ve been actively trying to think of ways to lift his spirits which is when I had a bit of an idea. I’ve been in touch with the retired police group Narpo to see if any of Gary’s former colleagues would be kind enough to share their memories of Gary and if possible, send him a message of support. He often spoke about missing working in the Police and especially the sports and social side which came with it so as messages come in thick and fast, Rachel helps me to collate them into a scrapbook for him.
At the same time, I’ve been in touch with the Warton Flying Club who have, with a bit of creative licence, agreed to take him up for a trial flight should he be well enough.
On top of that, I’ve been in touch with Liverpool FC to ask if he could sit on the side-lines of the training ground with a folding chair and a cup of coffee, not really having any concept that they have a full-time Community & Social Responsibility (CSR) director and all-round heroine Christine Mounsey handling things on that score. She’s not only arranged for Gary to receive Anfield tour tickets for the whole family, a Melwood training ground visit for four people but has also sent through signed kit for all of the grandkids! A few weeks later, Gary gets another unexpected surprise when a personal letter from Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, arrives wishing him well.
I’m frankly bowled over by the generosity of not only Gary;s colleagues giving up their time but of the flying club who don’t even know him. On top of that, a club as big as Liverpool putting so much energy and investment to a community good-will gesture for a lifelong supporter is incredible.
So, faith in humanity restored, I leave it to Rachel and her brother Rob to sort out the details of the visits.