Vertu Motors

STAR INVITES PAUL BROWN TO BE GUEST AT BORO GAME

Life-long Boro fan was left speechless when former Middlesbrough and England star Stewart Downing paid a surprise visit to his care home, Astune Rise in Eston.

Although being one of the club’s biggest supporters, Paul, 63, who has lived at Astune Rise since 2014, had never attended a game at the Riverside Stadium, despite his room at the care home being a shrine to his favourite club, with curtains, flags and posters decorating the Boro coloured walls.

With no family who visit Paul, home manager Caroline Bowstead worked with the football club and commercial partner Vertu Motors to make Paul’s dream a reality. Stewart Downing, Paul’s favourite player invited him, Caroline and Paul’s keyworker Angela to be his guests at the match against Bristol City, enjoying full hospitality and the opportunity to meet other players.

Paul had ‘the best day ever’ and was treated like a VIP by the club and Stewart – meeting coach Jonathan Woodgate and players Dael Fry and Matt Crooks.

Caroline Bowstead said: “We had the most wonderful day and Paul has had the biggest smile ever since. We were made to fell like royalty and even though the match ended in a draw, Paul loved every single minute.

I’d like to thank everyone, particularly Stewart, who made this happen, I don’t think they will every realise what it meant to Paul and how happy he is.

“Paul is a huge part of our family at Astune Rise and I am so pleased we’ve been able to do this for him.”

After the match, Stewart Downing said: “It’s amazing from both Middlesbrough Football Club who have put on a great show today, and Vertu Motors who’ve brought it all together.

“Just seeing Paul interacting with the fans and for the first time for him to be here, I think he’s had a magnificent day and I’m sure it’s something he’ll never forget, it’s been amazing.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF VERTU MOTORS

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to Editors

Vertu Motors plc is the fourth largest automotive retailer in the UK with a network of 164 sales outlets across the UK. Its dealerships operate predominantly under the Bristol Street Motors, Vertu Motors and Macklin Motors brand names.

Vertu Motors plc was established in November 2006 with the strategy to consolidate the UK motor retail sector. It is intended that the Group will continue to acquire motor retail operations to grow a scaled dealership group. The Group’s acquisition strategy is supplemented by a focused organic growth strategy to drive operational efficiencies through its national dealership network. The Group currently operates 160 franchised sales outlets and 4 non-franchised sales operations from 123 locations across the UK.

Vertu’s Mission Statement is to “deliver an outstanding customer motoring experience through honesty and trust”.

Vertu Motors Group websites – investors.vertumotors.com / www.vertucareers.com

Vertu brand websites –

www.vertumotors.com / www.bristolstreet.co.uk / www.macklinmotors.co.uk / www.vertumotorcycles.com / www.vansdirect.co.uk / www.thetaxicentre.com / www.powerbulbs.com