Club Legend Visits Former Footballer at Hospice

A former Leicester Ladies footballer, who is terminally ill, described a visit from a club legend as “very emotional.” Janet Wheatley, a resident of Loughborough, is battling cancer and is receiving care at LOROS hospice. The 65-year-old played for Leicester Women between 1974 and 1979 and continues to hold a season ticket. Last week, Alan Birchenall, a LOROS patron and former Leicester City player from 1971 to 1977, presented her with a team-signed shirt. Ms Wheatley stated: “I played football from 1974 until 1979 for Leicester Women, as a winger. “I was also scouted for England. I used to get called Kevin Keegan because of my speed and my hair! “I received three [club offers], one from Syston Football team, Leicester Ladies and Forest. “My grandkids also play football. I’m so proud of them. ” She expressed that it was “fantastic” to meet ‘The Birch’ and engage in discussions about football, both historical and contemporary. She further commented: “He is very down to earth and we had a laugh,” she said. “I used to always watch him play. “He is such a lovely man. We were talking about football for ages and the new manager. “I hope the new manager will turn a corner for Leicester. It was a real shock when he gave me the signed t-shirt. It was very emotional when I saw all the signatures from the players. “I hope I can visit the ground and see a match before Christmas.” Laura Betts, head of fundraising at LOROS hospice, stated: “One of the nurses on our ward mentioned that Janet was a huge foxes fan as well as an ex-footballer herself, so we got in touch with Birch who is so supportive of our care for patients. “He visited the next day. The signed shirt was the icing on the cake and typical of the kindness of Birch and Leicester City Football Club.” For updates, BBC Leicester can be followed on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.