Lifelong Leyton Orient fans get a kick out of dream trip back to Brisbane Road

Two lifelong Leyton Orient fans made a dream return to Brisbane Road after years away thanks to the team at Ashbrook Court Care Home

Two lifelong Leyton Orient fans made a dream return to Brisbane Road after years away thanks to the team at a Waltham Abbey care home.

Joseph and Peter, who live at Ashbrook Court Care Home on Sewardstone Road, have been passionate Orient fans for decades and have many memories of cheering them on from the terraces.

Despite following them through thick and thin, the pair have not been to the ground for many years, but the team at the 70 bed home, which provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, arranged the dream trip as part of their ‘Make a Wish’ initiative.

“I’ve always been a Leyton Orient fan and haven’t been to a game in a long time,” said Peter.

“It was nice to still have a chance to cheer them on at the home ground and experience the thrill of a match again. even if they didn’t win the game!

“It brought back so many memories – the singing, the cheering, the excitement. I never thought I’d see another game in person.”

The pair made the special trip to the ground for the League One home match against Stockport County which Orient lost 1-0.

“What a fantastic game to go and see,” said Joseph.

“I’m delighted that we were able to get back there and see the boys play. I’m a Leyton Orient fan through and through and have been to so many games over the years. They didn’t win, but we’re used to that!”

Peter and Joseph received a warm welcome from club staff, proudly wearing their Orient scarves and taking their seats pitch-side to soak in the atmosphere.

Lifestyle coordinator Lorna Morey said: “When they made their wish, we knew we had to make it happen.

“This is what the wish tree is all about – creating unforgettable moments and reconnecting our residents with the things they love most.”

Care home manager Jonathane Ribiero added: “To see the joy on Joseph and Peter’s faces when they came back was priceless.

“Football has played such a big part in their lives, and being able to take them back to Leyton Orient was really exciting.