Kenilworth pub and Leamington and Warwick Coventy City FC supporters club join together to surprise fan

Left to right: Mick Kerry, Jordan Shipery and Andrew Allcock.
The team at The Engine Inn said the photo was taken while adhering to social distancing. Photo submitted — Left to right: Mick Kerry, Jordan Shipery and Andrew Allcock. The team at The Engine Inn said the photo was taken while adhering to social distancing. Photo submitted

The members of the Leamington and Warwick Coventry City Supporters club worked together with a Kenilworth pub to help bring joy to a fan.

Both parties worked together to get a signed shirt from Coventry City player Jordan Shipley to present to Andrew Allcock who watches the games and often travels with the supports clubs to games.

Mick Kerry, who is a founding member of the supporters club, came up with the idea and worked alongside Andrew Bear, known as Ted, at the Engine Inn in Mill End in Kenilworth.

Ted said: "Mike had the idea to get a shirt from Jordan Shipley to give to Andrew. We contacted Jordan and mentioned if he would donate a shirt.

"Andrew is a lovely character and comes into the pub for some of the Coventry games

"Prizes galore were donated towards the raffle, but the aim was to treat Andrew who is a regular with the Engine coaches to watch the newly promoted Coventry city.

"Mike did all the hard work. He sold raffle tickets among the supporters of both the Engine Inn in Kenilworth and the supporter club during this season.

"He raised enough to get the shirt framed as well as enough for donations of £216 each to Myton Hospices and Coventry Hope."

On June 23 the supporters club and Ted at the Engine Inn organised a presentation at the pub.

Ted added: "The shirt was kindly donated by Jordan himself, and presented to Andrew in the Engine pub garden, under lockdown, but distancing was adhered.

"On the day when we had Jordan present the shirt, Andrew's face just lit up and his family couldn't believe what we had done for him.

"I am very grateful to Mr Mick Kerry and Jordan Shipley for there generosity."

Juggy Chima, of the Leamington and Warwick Coventry City Supporters Club, said: "Mick is an integral part of the Leamington and Warwick Coventry City Supporters Club.

"He’s affectionately known as the ‘Captain of our ship’ by the younger members as he takes them under his wing as he helps other supporters and raises money for good causes.

"As an avid Sky Blue he never misses a game and along with his friend, and fellow member and fundraiser, Pete Belch, is one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet."