The English Football League (EFL) has arranged for Sky Blues in the Community volunteer to be given a once in a lifetime experience at Wembley when Coventry City take on Luton Town in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Finals on Saturday 27th May.
Ron Bannister, 72, started volunteering for the Club’s charitable arm, Sky Blues in the Community nine years ago and has since delivered over 1000 hours of voluntary work. The Club put him forward for the experience, which includes match tickets and a behind-the-scenes stadium tour, as a reward for his passion and dedication to the Sky Blue’s community projects.
Ron’s journey with the Sky Blues began when he was asked to volunteer on its walking football programme, designed to support those with prostate cancer and delivered in partnership with Macmillan. Shortly after, Ron received the news that he too had prostate cancer following a check up he had through the Sky Blues in the Community scheme. Despite his diagnosis, Ron remained committed to his voluntary work and fitted it in when he could between cancer treatments.
Just 18 months ago, Ron also suffered a stroke but has continued his community work and says that it’s his voluntary work that motivates him to make a full recovery.
Speaking of the tickets to the Sky Bet Play-Off Finals, Ron said: “It will be a very special day for me to be there at Wembley watching Coventry City in the Play-Off Final. I feel proud of my team and very lucky to be there.
“I’d just arrived home from walking football when Dave Busst called me to tell me the news. I didn’t believe it.
“I’ve been to Wembley before in 1987 when we won the FA Cup, and in 2018 for the League 2 Play-Off Final.
“I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone at Sky Blues in the Community for nominating me, I’m sure it will be a day I’ll never forget.”
For more details visit efl.com or www.ccfc.co.uk/community/
