Kenneth Burden celebrates in style thanks to Wycombe Wanderers FC

Friday 21st October was a special day for IRHH patient, Kenneth Burden, as it was his 86th birthday. The day was made extra special thanks to Keith Allen, Club Secretary of Wycombe Wanderers Football Club who organised a fantastic tour of the club for Ken.

Ken's visit began with meeting some of the players, then enjoying a cuppa in the player's canteen at the training ground and a slice of the chocolate birthday cake presented by Fundraiser Liz Clarke and Nurse Ginnie Allen. In the background the players' lunch was being prepared – a rather more healthy selection including fish, vegetables and fruit!

Ken reminisced about his 76 years as a Wycombe Wanderers supporter. “I remember the FA Amateur Cup Final versus Hayes in 1931” he said. “I really wanted to get to that match but it was at the Arsenal and sadly I couldn't afford to go”. Later in the tour when he visited the Ercol Boardroom Ken was able to see press cutting and photos from the 1931 final and also pictures from the 1957 Cup Final which Ken was able to get to – “Ken, that could be you over there in the crowd” quipped Keith. “Yes” said Ken “I reckon that's me just there!”

Ken also saw Frank Adams' collection of medals and revealed “I used to work for Frank Adams until I got the sack when the war came along”

The tour concluded with visits behind the scenes to the treatment room and changing room where Keith explained about the 4 minute post-match ice bath that all the players have to go in to aid muscle recovery. We walked through the players' tunnel and on to the pitch, watching the groundsman at work and learning that in the process of cutting the pitch he walks 7.5 miles.

Nurse Ginnie asked Kenneth how he was enjoying his birthday “Ooh, great” was the reply “but it's only just begun”. Ken had a family party lined up that evening and the following day he had another treat in store – WWFC and IRHH had organised tickets for his grandson to take Ken to the match against Peterborough on Saturday.

Ken and IRHH would like to thank all at WWFC and especially Keith Allen for demonstrating that they really are a club with a heart.

Ken at the Training Ground

Kenneth Burden with Keith Allen and Ginnie	Friday 21st October was a special day for IRHH patient, Kenneth Burden, as it was his 86th birthday. The day was made extra special thanks to Keith Allen, Club Secretary of Wycombe Wanderers Football Club who organised a fantastic tour of the club for Ken. Ken's visit began with meeting some of the players, then enjoying a cuppa in the player's canteen at the training ground and a slice of the chocolate birthday cake presented by Fundraiser Liz Clarke and Nurse Ginnie Allen. In the background the players' lunch was being prepared – a rather more healthy selection including fish, vegetables and fruit! Ken reminisced about his 76 years as a Wycombe Wanderers supporter. “I remember the FA Amateur Cup Final versus Hayes in 1931” he said. “I really wanted to get to that match but it was at the Arsenal and sadly I couldn't afford to go”. Later in the tour when he visited the Ercol Boardroom Ken was able to see press cutting and photos from the 1931 final and also pictures from the 1957 Cup Final which Ken was able to get to – “Ken, that could be you over there in the crowd” quipped Keith. “Yes” said Ken “I reckon that's me just there!”