MK Dons FC players spring a festive surprise to city care home residents

A Christmas light switch-on at a care home in Milton Keynes left residents beaming after players and coaching staff from MK Dons FC turned up to spread some festive cheer.

Staff at Castlemead Care Home in Newport Pagnell joined residents for the annual event when representatives from the club’s men’s and women’s teams and its Community Trust sprung a seasonal surprise.

Women’s captain Favour Omenazu joined centre back Amanda Chimbina and new recruit Molly Lemon plus Charlie Waller, Phoenix Scholtz and Kobe Sinclair-Linton from the men’s squad to be part of the celebrations.

Club mascots Donny and Mooie showed their faces too.

The visit was organised by Mark Johnston of MK Dons Community Trust, the club’s official charity, which operates to improve the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds via football.

Mark’s mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2024 and has been a resident at Castlemead since January. 

The switch-on went down a treat, with players and staff from the Trust chatting to residents while posing for photographs and dancing to a selection of Christmas classics.

Mark said: “It is a priviledge to wake up each day and help other people become the best version of themselves by harnessing the power of football and the MK Dons badge.

“But on a personal note, this event was extra special. I could see the positive impact it had on my own mother who has been living with dementia for almost two years.

“It was wonderful to see, and even better to have the support of the men’s and women’s squads amid their busy schedules. Our thanks go to the team at Castlemead Care Home who were incredibly welcoming and we look forward to working closely with the team in the future.”

Grace Madenyika, Home Manager at Castlemead Care Home, added: “Our residents were overjoyed to welcome players, coaches and community staff from Milton Keynes Dons FC to our Christmas light switch-on.

“The experience and memories created will remain with ourselves, those we support and their families forever.

“Everyone at the home cannot stop talking about the club’s presence, it has inspired a lot of young boys and girls who attended the event to be with their grandparents and we are so grateful.

“It proved to us that football is about so much more than what happens on the pitch, and a huge thank you to MK Dons for spreading some early festive cheer.”

Further information about MK Dons Community Trust and its work is available online via www.mkdonsset.com.