Army veteran’s dream comes true at 81

20 December 2018

Christmas came early yesterday for 81-year-old Keith Browning in West Middlesex University Hospital’s Marble Hill 1 Ward. A massive sports fan, rugby is right up there at the top for him.

Christmas came early yesterday for 81-year-old Keith Browning in West Middlesex University Hospital’s Marble Hill 1 Ward. A massive sports fan, rugby is right up there at the top for him. Keith lives in sheltered accommodation in Brentford but has been hospitalised for tests on his stomach. 

Keith said: “Meeting the Rugby Sevens really means a lot to me. I remember their ground from donkey’s years ago and the Rugby League and Union playing back in the day.

“I used to always go to the games but then I lost my eyesight and couldn’t anymore, so the fact that they’ve come to me and I’ve met some of them today is so lovely.”

Keith has been blind for 15 years as a result of a faulty laser treatment. “Up until then I was pretty active, but that’s life! There’s no point being miserable and you’ve got to accept it and take life as it comes.” 

Formerly in the Army, Keith used to love being out on the fields hosting sports tournaments and rugby trials as well as refereeing football. He even played football with Bobby Charlton.  

Staff on the wards remarked that while Christmas was a difficult time of year for many patients, the visit significantly lifted spirits. A visit like this goes a long way in making this time of year a little bit brighter for patients and staff.   

The Trust would like to thank England Rugby once again for giving up their time to visit Marble Hill 1 and 2, Starlight Ward and Kew Ward. 

Contributors
George Vasilopoulos