Skillstep scores at Newcastle United

Henshaws North East Skillstepper Lee Haynes met his hero Peter Beardsley and was presented with a signed shirt for the charity to auction recently.

Lee, who is visually impaired, took part in Henshaws unique Skillstep course last year. As part of the 12 week course, which focuses on giving blind and visually impaired people the confidence and skills to get into further education, voluntary or paid work, Lee enjoyed a two week work placement at Newcastle United’s training ground at Benton.

It had always been a dream for Lee to work as a linesperson or groundsman for his beloved club, Newcastle United.

Philippa Taylor, Skillstep Coordinator, who secured the placement for Lee explained:

“We were able to get Lee exactly the work placement he was looking for and he had a great time. He was really overwhelmed by it all, especially by meeting quite a few players, and learning about how things work behind the scenes at a professional club. I know that he’d love to find a permanent job in that environment, and the important thing is that his confidence has gone through the roof, so hopefully he can.”

Lee was invited to watch Newcastle’s home game versus Fulham from the press box, and he and Henshaws Skillstep Enabler, Mike Sutton, (pictured) were presented with a signed shirt by Newcastle hero, Peter Beardsley. The charity will now use the shirt in a raffle to raise vitally-needed funds for services like Skillstep.

But the real icing on the cake for Lee was Newcastle beating Fulham 2-0 - their first victory in a while. Let’s hope that this signifies the start of good times for both the club and for Lee’s future.