Story added: 15th January 2016

Local charity Nelson's Journey team up with CSF for special City experience

Just before Christmas, the Community Sports Foundation joined forces with official club sponsors Aviva and a local bereavement charity Nelson’s Journey to give a group of youngsters a day to remember at Carrow Road.

The children, whose ages ranged from seven to sixteen, have all experienced the death of a significant person in their life and the activity day was intended as a respite from what can be a challenging time of year.

Starting with a fun football session on CSF’s Carrow Park facility, the day included a host of football-themed activities, with the highlight being an all-access ground tour of Carrow Road.

A festive surprise visit from Father Christmas meant the children left with a selection of gifts, courtesy of Aviva, as well as a CSF goody bag.

Ryan Doubleday, a Child Support Worker at Nelson’s Journey, who accompanied the group, said:

“We were treated to a fantastic day of fun at Norwich City Football Club. These youngsters are going through something unimaginable after the death of a loved one but to see them smiling, laughing and having so much fun was awesome.”

He added that the experience helped form new friendships among the group, and boosted self-esteem.

Nelson’s Journey, which is based near Norwich, has helped hundreds of children since it was founded in 1997.

Chosen by the club to be one of the four main beneficiaries of CSF’s Run Norwich event last year, Nelson’s Journey raised over £25,000 through the efforts of fundraisers.

Runners will again be able to support both Nelson’s Journey or the Community Sports Foundation at this year’s race, which will take place on Sunday 7th August 2016.