Can anybody suggest how to help my grandson?

My grandson aged 8 is a season ticket holder along with my daughter. He is a mad-keen Reds fan, and sits with her in the ES Upper Family Area. He has had to have pots on both legs to correct a walking fault, and can't climb stairs. This has been going on for some weeks. My daughter contacted the Club and asked if he could go up to his seat in the lift, but was told that it was for executive use only, so no. She then got him a place in the Disabled Stand for two games with some difficulty, as it seems to be regularly booked up. She has just been told that he can't go in there at all tomorrow, and the only alternative is to sit out on one end of the ES Lower, but of course even that will involve going up some steps. Does anybody have GG's email address, as I feel sure he could untie this knot by giving permission for a disabled kid to use the lift. Any other helpful suggestions would be welcome, as he is getting upset at the thought of missing the game.

 

Could he be carried up the stairs?

 

My daughter can't manage him as he is a robust 8 year old. I'm on chemo and can only just get myself up! Reight family of crocks.

 

For all the good our brilliant officials and staff have been doing to endear the fans and media
We end up with a jobswirth manning the lift and can't see a genuine cause to help out at their discretion .

 

I am sure that if GG gets to know about this that the lift will be made available to him.

 

Yes, I'm sure that is the case. Problem is, we don't know how to contact him in the time left. I'm still living in the steam age when it comes to technology but I could email him if only I had his address.

 

I’m sure he can be contacted via twitter if someone you know uses it?

 

They probably think if they make an exception that others will try their luck. He should be able to use the lift as should fans with other health issues.

 

My daughter is having a go at this right now. Somewhat beyond me! I'm still baffled by the telly.

 

At last, she managed to Tweet him (is that right? Almost put an a in there.) See if that brings anything. Thanks for supporting comments - much appreciated. I'll keep this thread up to date.

 

If he's got a pot on I can't see how they would think he's trying it on .
At Hull City they have or used to have officials looking out for vulnerable fans to usher them to the lifts which is what they did for my dad although we couldn't use them he waited for us at the top.

 

He's not trying it on but we will have fans with angina, emphysema, MS and a whole host of other serious problems that should be able to use the lift but don't currently.

 

This has been going on for many years as a "Health and safety issue". In 1999 I broke my tibia and fibula and had a full length pot on my leg. At the time I had to go in to the disabled section until I then went to a half pot and then unless I could talk the lift operator round had to climb the stairs. The reason is that if there is an emergency and the lifts can't be used (fire, earthquake, meteor shower, alien invasion etc...) they expect the crowd to be able to evacuate themselves via the stairs. It will be part of their public liability insurance conditions. A sad fact due to the blame culture of today's society.

 

You do raise a good point as there’s always a floodgates element that has to be considered. I’m sure it’ll be resolved but there’s clearly more to consider than GG simply clicking his fingers.

Failing that, @grandfathertyke, have you considered the West Lower?

 

They could evolve a scheme as they do the disabled car parking spaces whereas a card could be purchased on a one off minimal payment subject to proof

 

phone the club direct mate.

 

He’d probably be best sat in west lower if he can’t do the steps. If you’re on the back row of the lower tier there’s literally one step to go down.

 

Then why have a lift in the first place IMO.
I'm sure most fans with pots etc if they can get to the match in the first place will be able to escape such happenings but if its just a case of getting up its alot easier going down hill,
Its just baffling that it works at some clubs but not others .
I'm not questioning the safety aspects just the some can some can't theory

 

I hope you get the help you need.

I’ve been thinking about this myself recently as my Dad is getting on (late 70’s) and is finding the steps to the East Upper a bit challenging. Neither of us really want to swap out great seats for the front row of the East Lower.

I can’t understand why there aren’t lifts for general use. I don’t buy the fire regs argument. When we went St James’ Park the other season to watch the Newcastle game the stewards there were advising fans to take the lifts as we were 7 floors up.

 

Take him to the Corner Pin before the game. Three pints in there seems to cure all but the most stubborn of ailments.

In all seriousness if you cant get sorted ill carry him up of needs be.