The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Lifelong supporter meets his football heroes
Whena lifelong Inverness Caledonian Thistle fan suffered an accident earlier this year and forced him to move to a care home he gave up on his ambition of meeting his football heroes.
But thanks to the efforts of an employee at Meallmore’s Redwoods in Alness, Neil Munro’s dream finally came true.
Murdina MacLeod could not help but notice the passion Mr Munro showed for Caley Thistle since moving to the home in March, so she arranged for manager Ritchie Foran and the first team to pay him a visit for the day.
The team gave him a signed shirt and programme before enjoying a buffet lunch with him, his wife Hilda and other residents of the home.
The moment was made even more special as since his accident in March, Mr Munro has no longer been able to make it to the club’s stadium to cheer on his team.
Redwoods manager, Liz Mackenzie, described how happy Mr Munro was at meeting players from the team he has supported since his teenage years.
She said: “Neil’s reaction to the visit can only be described as sheer delight. He was joined by his wife Hilda, close family members and fellow residents.
“There were big smiles all round and a few happy tears.”
She said moments like these were among the “best parts of working in the care industry.”
She added: “Murdina did an excellent job organising the surprise for Neil, along with her husband Murdo, who previously worked for Meallmore as a painter and decorator.
“Being able to help create happy moments like these with our residents is one of the best parts of working in the care industry.”