The story behind the success of “Take a Chance on Me” is not a short one. A long history of fund raising and helping people has proceeded it, as you can see from the timeline below.
Take a Chance on Me
We continued supporting statutory services and vulnerable people in our community. Mid 2022 we were starting to organise another Football Against Dementia match in memory of former non league legend Paul Chick who sadly passed away from dementia. We had a crazy dream that we would like to arrange a team of former Norwich City Manager Ken Browns Legends and ‘Bring the Milk Cup Home’ which the club had won in 1985. We honestly thought we would really struggle to achieve this…but what happened next…was a game changer. And I was honoured to receive The British Empire Medal on behalf of everyone who supported us.
During the day we wanted to highlight how dementia can affect anyone, even young people who may see changes in loved ones through the disease, so we created Young Footballers Against Dementia, with youngsters getting the chance to play on the hallowed turf and leading players out holding the name of someone affected by dementia. We were delighted that former Norwich City Legend John Deehan, who is affected by dementia, led the teams out with his grandchildren.
We will forever be grateful to Norwich City Football Club who contacted us after seeing what we were trying to achieve. We were offered the use of Carrow Road to host the game we had been organising. They also organised all the stewarding, ticket sales and much, much more. The whole club and everyone involved was magnificent. Thank You !
Prior to the game we had a car park full of exhibitors who were on hand to explain how they can help people living with dementia and some fun activities.
September 25th 2022 was a red letter day for us. We would like to reiterate, we must say a sincere Thank You to everyone involved it was a huge effort. Following a telephone call from NCFC Club Secretary Andy Blofield we were offered Carrow Road as the venue for our football match. After consulting with our stakeholders it was agreed to take NCFC up on their offer. We can never thank EVERYONE at Norwich City Football Club for all their help and support. They were absolutely magnificent and we are eternally grateful for everything they did. It was very high risk for us financially, but with the support of Barclays, Cozens Electrical. Bluespace Ltd, Kevin Foley/Macdonalds, E&P Instaluations, Norwich City Football Club and a host of other supporters that came on board we were able to put together a great day with a players visit to NCFC training ground, the game, an after party and a gala dinner. Personally, I was very fortunate to have been playing in goal for Norwich City reserves in 1985 when we won the milk cup and was fortunate to be on the open top bus when we brought the Milk Cup home. Captain Dave Watson was on international duty that day, so was not on the bus. My dream was for Ken Brown and Dave Watson to bring the milk cup home together…We did it…and are very proud.
After the match our first celebration was held in the Top of the Terrace as a celebration for Paul Chick. It was great to see Norfolk County FA recognise Pauls long term management partner Donny Pye at the event.
It was great to see so many of Paul Chick former players and friends at the gathering and raise a glass to ‘The Guvnor’ with some inspired speeches and memories from former players and colleagues. Special thanks to Glenn Hoy for organising this.
The day was completed with an evening gala dinner for ‘Ken Browns Legends’ with some moving interviews and videos from those who couldn’t make the day. We hope that everyone in attendance had a great and memorable event…we are very grateful for everyone’s support.
Ken Brown was joined by his wife Elaine and their family with lots of his former players and their friends and families. Special thanks to Kevin Piper for hosting the event and Grant Peters for organising the raffle and auction on the night. It was a great way to round off a very special day.
We must recognise the contribution of Aviva, Barclays and everyone during the Christmas stocking Campaign. Many people gave their volunteering days to help us and we are very grateful.
Following the game we went straight into the 5th Annual Christmas Stocking Campaign. This was the toughest year ever but so many people contacted us wanting to be part of it once again we decided to get the sleigh out once again. This year we distributed around 1000 Christmas Stockings to local people in need, including care homes and people living with dementia. We also continued supporting local statutory services with food, essentials, tents etc.
At the beginning of 2023 we moved office to a smaller space. Sent 40 tents, sleeping bags etc. to the Turkey/Syrian Crisis, continued to distribute support… but we knew we had to change…