Rugby stars drop in to visit fan

Jun 28 2006

Northwich Chronicle

A RUGBY-mad resident at a care home in Sandiway entertained two very special visitors this week. Rod Johnson, of Redwalls Nursing Home, was amazed when former England and British Lions players Fran Cotton and Steve Smith walked in on Monday. The visit had been arranged thanks to a member of staff who just happens to be Fran Cotton's sister, and Redwalls manager Rhiannon Walker said it made 54-year-old Rod's day. She said: 'Fran and Steve gave up some of their valuable time to visit Rod, who is a keen rugby fan having played at Birkenhead Park and Winnington Park. 'Word soon got around the home and both Fran and Steve found themselves saying hello to the other residents and to the home's staff rugby fans. We were delighted to welcome them and Fran and Steve were pleased to pose for photographs and to sign autographs. It was quite a thrill.'