A Clint Eastwood super fan was lost for words after carers at his support service arranged for a larger-than-life mural of the actor to be painted on his bedroom wall.
Albert, 58, lives at Cornerstone's Fairfield supported housing service in Dundee, and is obsessed with the steely-jawed icon, best known for films such as A Fistful of Dollars and police thriller Dirty Harry. His flat is lined with pictures and canvasses of the 92-year-old star and he owns everything the actor has ever made on DVD.
He even makes a point of dressing up as Eastwood for Halloween every year – donning a poncho and a cowboy hat to become The Man With No Name, Eastwood's most iconic role. Staff at Cornerstone, which supports people with additional support needs and learning disabilities, decided to commission a local artist to paint a huge mural of Eastwood as the spaghetti western legend in Albert's bedroom.
He had asked for it to be decorated with Clint Eastwood wallpaper which, despite their best efforts, staff were unable to find. Renowned painter Simon Matheson, known as Syke, broke out the paints to create the astounding mural.
Albert's support workers filmed the moment he entered his bedroom carrying his shopping – and stops, astounded at the new addition to his sleeping quarters. Jumping on the spot with excitement, he says to one off screen: "I didn't ken about that! I can't believe it - have you seen this?"
Asked if he likes it, he replies: "Yeah! I love it!" The video has been watched over 5,000 times since it was posted earlier this week.
Laura Maliff, support practitioner at the Fairfield accommodation, helped to organise the treat and said: "Albert loves Clint Eastwood and when I was helping him to organise having his flat decorated, he asked if we could get some Clint Eastwood wallpaper. After much hunting we could not find a wallpaper supplier, but the painter suggested getting a mural done.
"I thought it was a great idea so contacted a member of staff who knew a local wall artist at Syke Graffiti Art. They came out to do a secret visit and confirmed they would be able to do a painting for Albert.
"So we went ahead, and kept it a surprise, which he absolutely loved. Albert’s support team are delighted with the end result too - it is so nice to see him so happy.”
Scores of people have commented on the Facebook video, commending the social care charity for their heartwarming gesture and sending Albert warm wishes.
Leighanne Nicoll said: "That is the sweetest reaction ever. Lovely surprise."
Scott Connelly said: "Brilliant, I remember Albert from Kirkton years ago. He was a Clint Eastwood fan back then."
And Lynne McHugh, who works at the Fairfield centre, added: "Just amazing place to work and be part of. Well done everyone and keeping quiet." She added a shooshing and a laughing emoji.
Commenting underneath the video, artist Simon said: "Ahhh that's brilliant... I'm so glad Albert liked it."
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