Man United fan's dream comes true thanks to Lostock Subway

Lostock Lodge Care Home resident Mark Graham is a lifelong Manchester United fan and dreamed of going to see the Reds play at the Theatre of Dreams.

Grame Keast, franchise owner of the Subway in Lostock and a United fan himself, saw a post about Mark’s wish on the home’s Facebook page and decided to set about making it come true.

“I’ve always been a massive football fan,” said Graeme.

“My Grandad played professional football in the 1940s and 50s for Portsmouth and Colchester.

“He sadly passed away last year in a care home himself, so I know how much he used to enjoy visits and trips out.

“I just think if there's something you can do to make someone happy then you do it!

“It was my pleasure to make a fellow red happy and it was great seeing the photos on Facebook, I was delighted to see Mark made it to Old Trafford."

Mark with Graeme Keast, franchise owner of the Lostock Subway (Image: Lostock Lodge)

Thanks to Graeme, Mark was able to go and watch Man United’s clash with Nottingham Forest.

He proved to be a good luck charm for Erik Ten Hag’s side, who managed a remarkable comeback after going two goals down in the opening four minutes to win 3-2.

Debbie Buckley, wellbeing coordinator at Lostock Lodge, said: “Graeme being a season ticket holder contacted Manchester United to arrange wheelchair-accessible executive tickets to see the match vs. Nottingham Forrest on 26th August.

“Mark got to visit the Captain's Lounge, where he enjoyed a three-course meal and free bar and met a former player. After that Mark was escorted down to Stretford End where he watched the game.”

Julie Duckworth, Mark’s long-time partner, added: "Mark's loyalty to Manchester United has been unwavering even throughout his serious health issues.

“We are extremely grateful to Graeme Keast from Subway who so generously donated the ‘wish-come-true’ and to the driver Alan from Let’s Go who handled the practicalities to enable Mark to fulfil his wish."

Mark outside Old Trafford (Image: Lostock Lodge)

Graeme made sure the rest of the home’s residents and staff got a treat as well as he took along 100 cookies Subway.

Lostock Lodge manager Steph Molden said: “Mark clearly enjoyed his day out, his favourite part was “the red" by this we think Mark means the crowd and the players.

“We asked Mark if it was a dream come true, which he replied “yes”. He was clearly glad he got to go.

“We can’t thank Graeme enough for making this happen, it’s wonderful to see our local community getting involved and making our resident’s wishes come true.”

Mark sat in the Stretford End with a teamsheet (Image: Lostock Lodge)