Wokingham and Emmbrook Football Club hosted a very special visitor at its Emirates FA Cup match last weekend.
What makes John Stancombe different from other supporters is that he’s totally blind. He travels the country from his home in Lowestoft, Suffolk, to visit non-league football grounds.
The Sumas’ match against Cinderford Town at Lowther Road last Sunday was match number 1,794 for John, who made the ten-hour round trip via Ipswich, London and Twyford using the rail network.
John was welcomed into the changing rooms before the match by manager Matt Cronan to meet the Sumas, as well as being introduced to officials from the opponents, and the match referee and his assistants.
Sumas’ supporter Arthur Strand acted as John’s eyes throughout the match, as well as accompanying him for a pre-match walk around the ground.
During his visit. John recalled his last match watching a Wokingham team more than 25 years ago, when Wokingham Town travelled to play Westfields – also in a FA Cup match.
John’s other link to Wokingham is that his former guide dog was trained at the former Guide Dog establishment at Folly Court on Barkham Road.
Mark Ashwell, president of the club, said: “John is a true inspiration for us all, and we salute the effort he made to be with us on Sunday.”
