An Ipswich Town superfan receiving care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) had a day to remember after meeting manager Kieran McKenna and his Blues squad.
Gracie Baldry, ten, parents James and Kim and 15-year-old brother Liam were invited to the club’s impressive training base in Playford Road.
After watching the players being put through their paces, they met Town boss McKenna and star players including club captain Sam Morsy.
The visit was organised as Gracie receives care from EACH – the dedicated charity partner for tomorrow’s Premier League fixture against Everton, at Portman Road. She features in a club film currently being shared via social media.
“As a family, we’re huge Town fans so it was a special and unique experience to spend time at the training ground,” said James.
“Kieran and his players were absolutely first-class – all coming over to say hi and spend time with us – and we were so grateful for an amazing opportunity.”
Gracie has right-side hemiplegia cerebral palsy, as well as epilepsy, global development delay, hearing loss and the gene mutation V Factor Leiden.
She and her family have been receiving care and support for EACH for five years, at The Treehouse.
Gracie was Town’s mascot for a 3-0 victory against Shrewsbury Town at Portman Road in August 2019.
After watching the squad train yesterday, the Baldry family were invited to join the squad for lunch, and both Gracie and Liam were presented with Town shirts.
The family have also been invited to attend tomorrow’s game – before which, Town’s players will be wearing branded warm-up tops bearing the EACH logo.
“We’re extremely grateful to the club, for giving us this incredible opportunity and platform, and we very much appreciate our ongoing relationship with Ipswich Town,” said EACH Senior Corporate Fundraiser Billie Nugent.
“It’s great exposure and awareness for us, as a charity, and, given the club’s charitable goals and amazing fanbase, it’s a perfect relationship.”
There will also be bucket collections around the ground and in the hospitality areas, as well as information and messages being displayed in the programme, on the giant scoreboard and electronic advertising hoardings. EACH mascot ECHO! will be on hand to meet young supporters in the FanZone.
Town Chairman Mark Ashton said: “We are proud to have such a strong relationship with EACH, which provides incredible support to young people and their families in extremely tough circumstances.
“To have the opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds at our dedicated matchday is a privilege for us all and we hope supporters are able to contribute to such an important cause.”
