Some of the Northampton Town squad have been making phone calls to check on supporters who may be feeling lonely this Christmas or who may be isolating as part of the club's ongoing work to tackle loneliness.
This work, which was featured in the New York Times this week, saw manager Keith Curle, assistant manager Colin West, Ricky Holmes, Sam Hoskins, Ryan Watson, Danny Rose and Nicky Adams among those making calls on Wednesday, some of which are detailed below.
Keith Curle spoke to Gloria and Mark Hodge who are both season ticket holders for years who are missing attending matches.
Colin West called Rowland Jordan. Rowland is terminally ill sadly. His first game was way back in 1950, and he previously went to every home and away game for 10 years running even though he lived in Crewe. In recent weeks the club visited Rowland with the League 2 play off trophy.
Sam Hoskins called Brian Ratcliffe. Brian lives in Wigan, is missing attending matches but is watching the games on iFollow. He is a poet/linguist/artist and traveller, working on songs for the Tackling Loneliness Facebook group to share with others (The group, for anyone who wishes to join, is called Never too old to..).
Ryan Watson spoke to Tony Kingston. Tony is a life-long Cobblers fan, his first game was in January 1947. Tony was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, is still on chemotherapy but is fighting fit. He used to umpire for Northamptonshire County Cricket Club and still scores for them when he can.
Robin Ward received a call from Danny Rose. Robin is a big Cobblers fan, and used to live opposite the County Ground. He now lives in Kettering, and has been going to matches since the age of 9 and really misses attending the matches.
Gerald Bolton was called by Nicky Adams. Gerald's wife died a few months ago, and they used to come to games together for years. Gerald is a member of the Players Lounge but hasn’t been able to come back to games since as he is now ill with cancer, and goes in to hospital tomorrow, his fingers are crossed that he is able to come out for Christmas Day. Good luck Gerald from us all at the club.
Ricky Holmes spoke to Roy Parker. Roy is on his own and in his late 80s and has been a season ticket holder for 81 years. Roy's wife died last year so is now living alone, and is unable to come to games at the moment due to poor health.
You can watch the players and staff make some of the calls below.
To Cobblers fans everywhere, thank you for your support and Merry Christmas. While this festive season may be a little different for all of us, we are thinking of you all and you are not alone. If you are feeling lonely and feel as though the club may be able to help you at any point, please email our Tackling Loneliness Officer at bob.allen@ntfc.co.uk