Patients at Lancaster hospice delighted by visit from Morecambe FC heroes

Friday, 1 December 2023 10:05

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Stuart Moore (left) and Farrend Rawson (right) with Miles Manley, John Manley and Fraser Manley

Patients at a Lancaster hospice have enjoyed a special visit from two of their Morecambe Football Club heroes.

Club captain Farrend Rawson and goalkeeper Stuart Moore visited two Morecambe fans and their families at the St John's Hospice inpatient ward.

John Manley, one of the patients, was joined by his grandson Fraser, who is also a big Shrimps fan.

The seven-year-old Westgate Primary pupil was given permission to finish school early to meet the players and surprise his grandad, accompanied by Fraser's dad Miles.

“It makes me feel more happy than I was before to have two Morecambe players meet ‘Gog’ (Grandad John)," said Fraser.

Jeff (pictured below with Farrend and Stuart) once regularly attended Morecambe matches, but has only managed to make it to two games this season because of his health.

“As a big Morecambe fan it’s made his day, really great and given him a well-deserved boost," said his daughter Vicky.

Farrend Rawson said: "Life is about making memories and meeting special people and that’s what happened today.”

Maddy Bass, director of nursing at St John’s Hospice, said “We’re so grateful to Morecambe FC, Farrend and Stuart for taking the time to visit our patients today.

"Gestures like this can make a huge difference to people at this most difficult time, and they’ve helped make treasured memories for Jeff, John and their families.”

St John’s Hospice is a local charity which provides free palliative care to patients with life shortening conditions.

Their services cover North Lancashire, South Lakes and parts of North Yorkshire, and 75 per cent of their income needs to be raised through fundraising, with 25 per cent coming from the NHS.

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