Eccleston Court Welcomes Saints Rugby League Star

St. Helens Rugby League Club’s half-back, Danny Richardson, was guest of honour at Eccleston Court’s Saints-themed tea party on Tuesday 27th June.

The young star left the pitch to join residents, relatives and staff – many of whom are huge Saints fans – for an afternoon of tea and cakes, rugby reminiscence and health and wellbeing activities.

Earlier this year, our charity formed an exciting new partnership with the Club, which has seen the people we support enjoy weekly accessible sports sessions, VIP match days and this visit from Danny Richardson, who we proudly sponsor.

At Tuesday’s event, Danny received a warm welcome from Joe Woods, Eccleston Court’s biggest Saints fan, who led a rendition of the Club’s anthem, “When the Saints Go Marching In”. Danny spent time talking to residents and their loved ones, who happily shared their favourite Saints memories.

Residents’ also got to practice their rugby skills when Danny, along with The Saints Community Development Foundation Team Coaches, hosted a fun activity session of chair-based exercises and throwing games.

A huge surprise came when Danny presented a rugby ball, signed by the whole first team, for the home’s Saints-themed reminiscence area.

Danny then enjoyed a tour of the Saints area, helping residents and staff choose where to display their gift amongst the nostalgic photographs and memorabilia. He was invited to sign the ‘Wall of Fame’, marking his name alongside rugby legends such as Paul Sculthorpe and Eddie Cunningham.

Danny Richardson said: “It’s been brilliant to meet Eccleston Court’s residents, staff and families today. Everyone has been so welcoming and it was lovely to hear their favourite rugby stories. I was really impressed by the reminiscence area too, what a fantastic way to keep memories alive.”

Beryl, who lives at Eccleston Court, said: “I can’t believe we had a Saints player come and visit us today! What a lovely young man, who has a very bright future ahead. What an exciting day!”

Collette Gough, Service Manager of Eccleston Court, said: “I’d like to thank Danny for taking the time out of his busy training schedule to visit us today, we all had so much fun. As huge Saints fans, we were really touched at the Club’s generosity in donating the signed rugby ball to us.”

Collette added: “It’s fantastic that we have this partnership with The Saints. Earlier this year, a few of our residents were guests of honour at a match and they still talk about it today! It’s been a great opportunity to bring the passions of the people we support to life and ignite their sporting memories!”

Watch Joe’s heartwarming “When the Saints Go Marching In” chant: