Ted was a regular visitor before family life and work took over
Cheers to Ted as he visits the home of his beloved club for the first time in 60 years. Caption: Cheers to Ted as he visits the home of his beloved club for the first time in 60 years
An elderly Millwall fan has watched his team play for the first time in 60 years.
Ted Heardman, 82, watched the Lions beat Plymouth Argyle 1-0 at the Den, on Saturday, May 4.
The life-long supporter, a former Millwall darts team member, was a regular visitor in the ‘60s.
He also enjoyed a VIP tour of the ground, with staff from his Erith care home.
In his youth, Ted and his friends went to most of Millwall’s home games at The Old Den in New Cross.
Ted, who now lives at the Heathfield Court Care Home, said: “I loved this time with my mates. When I was in my late teens and throughout my 20s, we would go to the football and then head to the pub for a few beers.
“We went to away matches too, and always had such a laugh. I was also in a Millwall darts team, back in the 60s, and was awarded a tankard – which I still enjoy a pint from – when my team won the league in 1967.
“Once I got married and had children, we couldn’t afford to spend money on going to football games, so it’s been over 60 years since I was last at a match.”
Care assistant Zoe Burton, a fellow Millwall fan, was thrilled to join Ted on the tour.
She said, “Chatting with the residents, hearing their stories, and learning about their hobbies and interests is my favorite part of being a care assistant.
“When Ted first moved into Heathfield Court, we quickly bonded over our mutual love of football and discovered we were both Millwall fans.
“Ted mentioned he had never been to The New Den, so I told him about our ‘Wish Tree’ program, where we help residents experience something they’ve never had the chance to do or reconnect with something they loved in their youth.
“Before the tour, we were both really excited, and seeing how happy it made Ted on the day was just the best.
“Being able to go back and watch a match made the whole experience even more special.”
Heathfield Court is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and was a Regional Finalist for the Putting People First Award in the Great British Care Awards 2023.