A 93-year-old man was given the surprise of his life when Liverpool legend, Kenny Dalglish, randomly turned up for a chat at his care home, Ash Court in Knotty Ash.
Lifelong Liverpool fan, Eric Farrington, 93, grew up in the shadow of Liverpool FC 's old training ground, Melwood.
Dalglish came to the care home as part of an initiative between NIVEA Men and The Anfield Wrap. During the pandemic the companies worked together to donate 50 iPads to care homes to help people stay connected to their loved ones and passions.
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One of those given an iPad was Eric, who used his to watch Liverpool games from his room as his health made it difficult for him to attend games. Dalglish chatted with Eric about his love of Liverpool FC before presenting him with a signed shirt and VIP tickets to Liverpool's final league game of last season against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Craig Hannan, Head of Brand & Marketing at The Anfield Wrap said: " The Anfield Wrap had worked with NIVEA MEN on making this happen for over a year, it had been pushed back so many times due to COVID and so we're just happy that Eric and his family were able to enjoy those moments together. We first met Eric a few years ago when The Anfield Wrap filmed him as part of a documentary about Melwood.
"We were blown away by him, he was such a lovely man who spoke so fondly of Liverpool and his memories of supporting the club during his 93 years. He was just such a character with so many stories to tell, but it had become more difficult for him to visit Anfield. We knew we had to do something for him and that's where NIVEA MEN came in."
Eric died on June 8, 2022, just 17 days after his visit to Anfield for the game.
Craig added: "For Kenny Dalglish to take the time to come to Knotty Ash and surprise Eric, chat with him and his family for so long, and then knock on the rooms of residents at Ash Court who were Liverpool fans to say hello, says everything you need to know about the kind of person he is - but we all knew that already."
"This video is in memory of Eric, and we're so glad that he was able to watch the surprise back before he sadly passed away."
Emma Leigh, Home Manager at Ash Court, said: “The moment Sir Kenny Dalglish surprised Eric by visiting him at our home is something I will remember forever. Eric and Sir Kenny had a great chat and Eric even received a signed club shirt with a personal message from his idol. It was a very special day, and Sir Kenny was such a lovely gentleman – he brought so much joy to all the residents and colleagues at the home.
"Eric was a hugely loved member of our community and will be greatly missed by all of us at Ash Court.”
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