Local business donates match day experience

A popular local barber shop, Arkitect, made dreams come true for eight people we support with a donation of a VIP matchday experience to watch Widnes Vikings. 

The business donated a VIP box to the people we support to enjoy watching the Vikings as they took on Batley Bulldogs in the Betfred Championship. Giving them the chance to cheer on their rugby league heroes and enjoy company and food with friends, the day was described as “unforgettable”.

Now one of the UKs biggest and most successful social care charities, we were proudly founded in Widnes more than 35 years ago, so it’s fantastic to be able to cheer on this Widnes team.

The donation was led by Joe Mawdsley, owner of Arkitect. It follows a range of other support that he gives in his local community, including organising free family fun days, supporting charitable events year-round and often gifts numerous matchday experiences to local Vikings fans. Joe even led a fundraising campaign to help fund activity equipment for local care services during the lockdown restrictions of the pandemic.

Eddie Stevenson, who is supported by Community Integrated Care, says: “That was amazing! I loved to watch my heroes on the pitch too. I had such a good time with my friends in the box. I’ve never done anything like that before. I will remember this forever!”

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care said, “On behalf of people we support and our colleagues, we’d like to thank Joe and the team at Arkitect Barbers for their generous support of our charity.

Community Integrated Care exists to support people to lead the Best Life Possible. This special experience truly represented how our partners can play a great role in supporting our mission.”

All photographs included are by Ste Jones.