A lifelong dream comes true for Greengate House resident

Published 28 April 2026

A special day out at Anfield, Liverpool FC’s iconic home has brought joy, memories and excitement to a long-standing resident at Greengate House in St Helens.

Ray, who has lived at the service for an incredible 34 years, recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Anfield, something he never thought would be possible.

A devoted Liverpool fan since childhood, Ray had only visited the ground once before, many years ago. With support from the Greengate House team, he was recently able to turn that long-held wish into reality.

Staff worked closely with Ray to create a personal wish list, encouraging him to think about the experiences he had always hoped for. Visiting Anfield quickly rose to the top.

On the day, Ray embraced every moment of the experience. From wheeling through the players’ tunnel with his arms in the air to exploring the stands and pitch, it was a day filled with pride and emotion.

Reflecting on the visit, Ray said:

“It was fascinating. The stand was the best part and the pitch, I’ve never seen grass so green.”

The stadium tour also included a visit to the club museum, where Ray enjoyed seeing the trophies won by “the mighty Reds,” as well as historic stands, classic kits and footage of memorable matches. One moment stood out, as Ray shared:

“This takes me back to the good old days.”

Adding to the experience, the tour guide also happened to be called Ray, something that didn’t go unnoticed. And, no visit would be complete without a stop at the club superstore, where Ray enjoyed picking out some Liverpool merchandise to remember the day.

Sam Llewellyn, Senior Support Worker at Greengate House, said:

At Greengate House, we always try to make sure the people who draw on our support can achieve what matters most to them. Ray has been part of our community for a long time, and it was incredibly special to see him experience something he had dreamed about for so long. Seeing his reaction on the day - especially as he came through the tunnel - was something we’ll all remember.

Ray is already thinking about his next adventure - with a cinema visit on the horizon.

The team at Greengate House are continuing to support residents to create and achieve their own wish lists, ensuring more meaningful experiences like this can be brought to life.

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At Making Space, creating opportunities for people to enjoy meaningful experiences is a key part of our approach. Through initiatives like our Kind Hearts Fund, we support people to achieve their personal goals - whether that’s enjoying a day out, trying something new, or taking part in activities that boost wellbeing and connection. It’s all about making moments like these possible and ensuring the people we support can live fulfilling, enriched lives - find out more here.