Care home helps ex-footballer, aged 91, return to sport in Doncaster

Brian Makepeace, aged 91, used to play for his local club and told staff at Oaklands Residential Home in Doncaster operated by Trust Care, it was his wish to watch a Rovers game and see the stadium.
By Thomas OgdenContributor
Published 6th May 2023, 07:00 BST
Mr Makepeace attended Keepmoat Stadium. Mr Makepeace attended Keepmoat Stadium.
Mr Makepeace attended Keepmoat Stadium.

Mr Makepeace’s wish was to watch Doncaster Rovers play again and see the Keepmoat Stadium.

Diane, the home's Activities Coordinator, spoke to DRFC to make Brians wish come true.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She approached Mr Makepeace about attending along with other residents in the care home and said ‘he could not wait to go’.

Mr Makepeace attended Keepmoat Stadium. Mr Makepeace attended Keepmoat Stadium.
Mr Makepeace attended Keepmoat Stadium.

Brian was taken down to the pitch by care home staff where he was presented with a DRFC Shirt the smiles and happiness were priceless.

Rossington-born Brian spent eleven seasons with Rovers, starting his first team career in 1950-51 with the club in Division Two.

Over the years he missed very few games, being an ever-present in the 1955-56 season and he remains Rovers fifth-highest appearance maker.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He formed a very useful full-back partnership with Ulsterman Len Graham and along with Bill Paterson and then Charlie Williams formed the defensive backbone of Peter Doherty’s team.

In all he made 378 first team appearances before moving to Scarborough in 1961.

Related topics:Doncaster

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.