"Birthday wish comes true" as 105-year-old Pompey fan Joan is able to visit Fratton Park one more time
A birthday wish came true for devoted 105-year-old Pompey fan Joan Geary who was able to make the trip to Fratton Park to watch her team play - and win - one more time.
Joan is a much-loved resident whose life has been shaped by family, friendship, and an unwavering love for Portsmouth Football Club having held a season ticket for more than 50 years.
Supporting Pompey is more than a hobby for Joan — it is a lifelong passion - and her room proudly displays Portsmouth memorabilia, reflecting decades of loyalty to the club she loves. But due to her physical health, and no longer being able to walk, she has been unable to continue watching the club play every week.
Born in 1921, Joan has lived through more than a century of change. Throughout her life, she has lived in several parts of the country, including Southwell, Carlisle and Emsworth, before eventually settling in Portsmouth, a city she proudly calls home.
In her younger years, Joan worked delivering bread on a three-wheeled bicycle — a job she often recalls fondly and with a smile. She later went on to work at a care home on Portsdown Hill and at St Mary’s Hospital, dedicating many years of her life to caring for others.
Joan is known for her friendly, sociable personality and her love of conversation. She enjoys chatting with staff, residents and visitors alike, and being around people brings her great happiness. Family remains central to her life; she has three children, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren who visit her regularly and provide strong support.
A lifelong reader, Joan has always enjoyed keeping up to date with local news and football through The News. Even today, she has a daily paper delivered to her at the care home so she can follow Portsmouth FC and stay connected with what is happening in the local community.
Joan moved to Cosham Court Nursing Home in July 2025, and ahead of her 105th birthday, she shared with the home manager that her greatest wish was to attend a Pompey match in person again. The Registered Home Manager, Charisma Williams, then contacted Pompey in the Community who were more than happy to help make Joan’s dream a reality.
Charisma Williams explained: “Although the match scheduled to take place on Joan’s actual birthday on January 4 had to be cancelled due to a frozen pitch, the visit was rescheduled, and Joan was finally able to attend the game on the 31st of January. The day proved to be unforgettable for her.
“Joan was overjoyed to see her beloved team play live once again — and the experience was made even more special when Portsmouth secured a memorable 3–0 victory.
“Joan described the day as something she would never forget, and staff at the care home said it was a privilege to see her lifelong passion rewarded in such a special way. At 105 years old, Joan’s story is a powerful reminder of the joy that memories, community and football can bring at any age.”