Browse Sections
Interactive
Popular Sections
Partly sunnyNews
| 
Submit Comments
Gavin Croft and wife Karen
NHS pays for season ticket
18/12/2007
A FOOTBALL fan has been given NHS cash to buy a season ticket for a fellow supporter to keep him company at home matches.
Rochdale FC follower Gavin Croft suffers from multiple sclerosis and struck the deal with a fan he recruited on a supporters’ internet site. His vision is occasionally impaired by the degenerative condition and he applied for £375 of money set aside for his care.
He used the cash to buy Kevin Smith a season ticket so he could commentate on the action on the pitch. Council chiefs agreed to the arrangement on the grounds that it would contribute to Mr Croft’s health and quality of life.
Mr Croft, aged 40, from Chadderton, was able to make the deal under a pioneering scheme letting people choose how money set aside for their care is spent. His decision was supported by social care minister Ivan Lewis, who said it was a ‘very good example of imaginative use of individual budgets’.
Mr Croft, diagnosed with the condition four years ago, applied to Oldham Council to take direct control of his care budget under the government’s putting people first initiative. The scheme has been piloted in Oldham and 11 other towns and cities. Individuals are means-tested to assess their health and personal needs.
After Mr Croft put out a plea on a Rochdale internet message board, Mr Smith, aged 43, agreed to help and now takes him to and from matches. Mr Croft said: “It’s great. We go for a pint after the match.”
His wife, Karen, added: “Gavin’s a massive Rochdale fan and it’s a big part of his life but he needs someone to go with him. It has been great. It gives me the only time I get off all week and I don’t have to watch football in the wet and the cold.”
Most recent 1 of 1 user comments
Got an opinion you want to share?| Company | Typical APR |
| Platinum Exclusive Loan | 7.8% |
| AA | 7.9% |
| Sainsbury's Personal Loan | 8.2% |
| Alliance & Leicester | 8.7% |
| Lloyds TSB | 8.9% |
| Abbey Personal Loan | 8.9% |
| Provider | AER* |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Savings Account |
4.50% |
|
FIRST DIRECT Everyday e-Saver |
1.75% |
|
SAINSBURYS FINANCE Internet Saver |
2.25% |
24/12/2007 at 02:14