Seagulls chairman and players makes it a Christmas party to remember for Gully’s Days Out members
More than 150 young people with a disability were given a festive treat to remember when Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom and two of the club’s rising stars attended their Christmas party.
Each December the Seagulls’ official charity, Albion in the Community (AITC), organises a Christmas party at the American Express Community Stadium for members of the charity’s Gully’s Days Out programme.
Gully’s Days Out, which is generously supported by American Express, provides fun trips out for young people with a disability and their families and the annual Christmas party is always one of the highlights of the year.
This year’s party featured the usual array of entertainment, including a photo booth, animal encounter area, sensory arts and crafts stand, face painting, balloons modelling and magic from Potty the Pirate, a festive bus ride around the stadium, and the chance to meet Father Christmas.
And in an extra surprise for Gully’s Days Out members, there was also an appearance by Tony Bloom and Albion players Leo Ostigard and Mathias Normann.
Ostigard and Normann (pictured above) are part of the Seagulls’ development squad and together with the club’s chairman, signed autographs, chatted to the members and their families and posed for photographs – much to the delight of those in attendance.
Elliott Batchelor, who helped organise the event for AITC, said: “As always our Gully’s Days Out Christmas party was a fantastic event and it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves.
“It has been another brilliant year for Gully’s Days Out and our thanks go to American Express for its support and to the many volunteers from American Express, including those that gave their time to help at the Christmas party, who have made our trips out such an enjoyable experience for our members.
“Thank you also to everyone who supported the Christmas party, and to Tony, Leo and Mathias for giving up their time to come along. It definitely put a smile on a lot of faces.”
For more information on Gully’s Days Out, including how to join in 2019, email: disability@bhafcfoundation.org.uk.