Lifelong Brentford fan gets emotional chance to watch the Bees one last time
By Sports Correspondent
A lifelong Brentford FC fan who thought his terminal illness meant he would never see his beloved team play again has had his wish come true thanks to a team of volunteer London Ambulance Service paramedics.
Paul Simpson, 69, from Isleworth, has supported the Bees since he was a child and has held a season ticket since he was just 11 years old.
But after being diagnosed with end-stage heart failure, Paul had been unable to attend matches because of his deteriorating health.
That changed when his end-of-life care team contacted the London Wish Ambulance, a new initiative run by London Ambulance Service volunteers to help people at the end of their lives create special memories with the people they love.
The team arranged for Paul and his wife Wendy, 68, to attend Brentford’s Premier League match against Chelsea on Friday 18 September.
Paramedics Lena Ricci-Hodgson, Elizabeth Randon and Ben Evans volunteered their time to accompany the couple, providing care and support throughout their special evening.
And it proved to be a night Paul will never forget.
The couple watched from a stadium box provided by Brentford, as the Bees secured a 3-0 victory over local rivals Chelsea.
For Paul, the football was only part of the experience. He was also reunited with fellow season-ticket holders he had sat alongside for years before his health forced him to stop attending matches.
Former Brentford players also visited Paul and Wendy during the evening, making the occasion even more special.
Paul said: “Watching Brentford one last time was amazing. I honestly thought I would never get the chance.
“But that night was about more than just football; it was a chance to spend time with friends and family. Thank you to everyone involved who helped make this happen.”
Wendy described the evening as an “overwhelming experience” and said it was wonderful to see Paul watching his beloved team alongside his old friends.
She added: “The crews on the day were so friendly and helpful, and I think they are Brentford fans now.”
The London Wish Ambulance was created to help people nearing the end of their lives experience something meaningful to them, whether that is watching their favourite football team, visiting a special place or simply spending time with family somewhere they love.
Ben Evans, Deputy Director of Clinical Quality Operations, helped create the initiative and was part of Paul’s wish.
He said: “When time is limited, helping people create special memories with those they love really matters.
“Seeing that come to life for Paul, surrounded by Wendy and his friends, was incredibly moving. It's exactly what the Wish Ambulance was created to make possible.”
The service relies on donations to help make these experiences happen.
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Donations can help cover the cost of tickets or activities, pay for food and refreshments for participants and their loved ones, or contribute towards the fuel needed to take people to the places that mean the most to them.
For some people, that could be a football match or a day out. For others, it could be something as simple and meaningful as a journey home to spend time with family.
Every donation can help the London Wish Ambulance create another special memory for someone and their loved ones.
