Police officers give Les Amis resident dream football trip

Two police officers who are season ticket holders at Old Trafford have gifted a game to Les Amis resident – and avid Manchester United fan – Simon Routier.

After seeing a Facebook post about how much Simon loved the Red Devils, the officers decided to donate tickets to see United host Everton on the 4th of April. Duty Inspector Sian Gidley and PC Will Labey have been season ticket holders at Old Trafford for three years. Unable to attend the Everton game, they decided to donate their seats to Simon, who has Down’s Syndrome.

Duty Inspector Sian Gidley said:

'Will and I donated these tickets in a personal capacity but it was great to welcome Simon and his dad to the new Police Headquarters to hand them over. We were so touched to see how happy Simon was at the news he would be going to a live game. I hope they enjoy watching a game at Old Trafford as much as we do.'

– DUTY INSPECTOR SIAN GIDLEY

Simon went to collect the tickets at the new police headquarters. He says he will go to the game with his dad, Paul.

'I can’t wait to go and see a real life football match. I can’t thank Sian and Will enough for giving me the tickets.'

– SIMON ROUTIER

Paul Routier, Simon's father, said the generous act has "made Simon's year".

'Sian and Will have made Simon’s year. Already he is so excited about the trip and I can imagine that I, and everyone at Les Amis, will be hearing about his football experience for many years to come.'

– PAUL ROUTIER, SIMON'S FATHER

Lauren Carré, Les Amis Fundraising, Marketing and PR Manager, said Les Amis would cease to exist “without the generosity of Islanders".The thoughtfulness and kindness of Sian and Will is something Les Amis are incredibly grateful for. They have not only offered Simon a holiday but given him a life-long memory to cherish.

– LAUREN CARRÉ, LES AMIS FUNDRAISING, MARKETING AND PR MANAGER

Les Amis would like to say a massive thank you to Sian and Will for their lovely gesture, it means so much to us all.

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L-R: Duty Inspector Sian Gidley, Simon Routier and PC Will Labey

'We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.'

– WINSTON CHURCHILL