The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Appeal to help bring dad and popular coach home
The football community in and around Peterborough has rallied around local father Paul Ayre to help bring him home after major heart complications.
Paul, who is a popular face in local football, coaching at juniorfootballclubGunthorpe Harriers for many years, suffered heart problems a year agothatledtohimhavingopen heart surgery, yet at the same timeasthesecomplications,he had a major stroke.
Since then, he has been transferred to a specialist rehabcentrewhereheislearning to use his body again.
According to a GoFundMe page–whichhasbeensetupin
Paul’s name to fund vital home alterations – doctors are keen to discharge him to continue his rehabilitation at home. He is likely to need a wheelchair for a long time, if not permanently.
Therefore, a series of home alterations to his property in Peterborough are required.
Thesearelikelytoincludea garageconversion,thecreation ofawashroom,anewbedroom with space for a hoist as well as wideningallofthedoorwaysto allow space for a wheelchair to fit through.
The fundraising campaign has already raised over £5400 of its £10,000 target.
A message on the page reads: “This is proving to be a very expensive job. So we are asking for you to donate what you can. This isn’t just money butalsotoyoutradiesoutthere
weareaskingforyourservices/ skillstomakethishappen.The soonerthishappensthebetter,
a year away is far too long to be away from his family.”
To support the fundraising
campaign, visit: https://www. gofundme.com/f/3vwtf-helpget-paul-home.
Gunthorpe Harriers, who Paul coached while his sons Charlie and Harry played for the side, have planned their own efforts to support Paul at their Presentation Day on May 11. Volunteers and players will come together to run a half marathon around the club’s home at Campbell Drive.
A club representative said: “It was a big shock to all of us.
"WhenwewenttovisitPaul in hospital, he was his usual upbeat self. He’s certainly got the personality to get back to where he used to be.
"He’s a unique man, really funny, always making jokes about himself or others.
“He’s such a happy person and great to be around, which is why he is so popular.
"He’s a real character, who we love. We just want to show our support.”