Our partners British Airways have gifted the holiday of a lifetime to a Foundation participant.
Sam Brooker and his family were invited to the Amex Elite Football Performance Centre in the belief that he’d won a tour. Little did he know British Airways had other ideas.
Having been shown around the training facilities, the family were surprised with a British Airways holiday in recognition of the hardship they have had to overcome since Sam was involved in a serious car accident in 2012.
Sam said, “We were completely shocked to receive the British Airways holiday. We thought we were just having a private tour of the training ground, which was amazing in itself – but to then be surprised with the holiday left me pretty speechless! Then we had the great pleasure of surprising my wife and two other children who couldn't make the day when we got home. We have been looking to go to either one of the Greek or Canary Islands.”
Tom Stoddart, CEO of BA Euroflyer, said, “Through our partnership with Brighton and Hove Albion FC, we have seen the positive impact that its foundation has on our shared Sussex community, and we are proud to support this. We know that Sam and his family are thoroughly deserving of a British Airways Holidays package and we look forward to welcoming them on board at Gatwick to enjoy some European sunshine very soon.”
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In 2012, Sam was involved in a life-changing car accident that caused permanent damage in his lower spine and both legs.
He underwent countless procedures over the subsequent months and years, culminating in having a device fitted inside his back and wires in his spine which allows him to have some movement.
During his treatment and in the aftermath of the accident, Sam's mental health suffered having previous been a fit, active person being able to provide for his family, to someone who had to use crutches to walk, couldn't work, and with his life changed forever.
In 2017, one of his rehabilitation nurses told him about the BHAFC Foundation football sessions local to him in Eastbourne, where people of all ages and abilities could come together to play football.
He was very nervous to begin with, but it changed his outlook and he felt he finally had found a new way to enjoy football and even get a part of old life back.
In the seven years that he has been involved with the charity, he has gone on to take his FA Level One coaching badge and continues to attend regular sessions.