Wolves Former Players’ Association have made another donation to support the incredible work delivered by Compton Care, this time to support the catering department who have revolutionised the menu for patients at the facility.
A donation of £1,000 will fund the purchase of equipment both for use in the Inpatient Unit and the charity’s several coffee shops, from which money raised goes back into the vital work in delivering palliative care and support for the local community.
FPA Chairman John Richards, vice-chairman Steve Daley and committee members Mel Eves and Paul Berry visited Compton to meet with catering services manager Tom Keen and relationships manager Kate Kelly, who took them through the way they tailor their menus to best support those accessing the charity.
Tom spoke about the different menus now available to patients, how they can provide the taste of food or drink that a patient might be craving even if they have lost the ability to swallow, and why they serve meals on blue plates which is well known in mitigating eating challenges and helping those suffering with dementia.
“It was really fascinating to meet and chat with Tom about the work that he and the catering team are delivering for Compton Care, both across their coffee shops but particularly within the inpatient unit,” said John.
“It is probably not something that any of us had thought about too much, but the care and compassion that Tom and the staff put into their work is what we have all come to expect from such a fantastic charity.
“When patients and their families are going through such a really difficult time, to know that their every need is being looked after is something that will bring them so much comfort.
“So, while our donation is for equipment that will be used in the kitchens and coffee shops, the impact goes far deeper than that because of the incredible work which the staff deliver.
“As a Former Players Association, we have made donations to Compton Care for many years now and everyone who helps us with fundraising at our golf day should feel very proud of the impact their support is making.”
Tom Keen, from Compton Care, was hugely appreciative of the support.
Tom said: “On behalf of everyone here at Compton Care, thank you very much for your generous donation to Compton Care.
“Your kindness and support mean so much to us and will make a real difference to the individuals and families who rely on our services.”
In previous years, the FPA have made donations to help Compton Care in various other ways, including funding the purchase of laptops to support fundraising, nebulisers, a syringe driver, IV pump, blankets for the inpatient unit and arts and crafts equipment for use in art therapy.
Former players also regularly attend the Living Well sessions delivered by Compton, which give patients the practical and emotional tools to continue to live actively and independently with their conditions.
Those sessions have proved invaluable as the former players meet with the participants and can share footballing memories from their own careers and the game in general.
