Not Quite Disabled Fans Question?

[ybabobmij]

Prompted by the salt and vinegar man question, I need advice Any suggestions welcome.

I'm having some significant foot surgery next Monday so sadly I won't be at a few games - doctors orders. But I'm buggered if I'm missing the run in when it actually looks as though we will win something. I'm likely to be in plaster/on crutches for six to eight weeks minimum. I'll obviously need to take sensible precautions like turning up early and hanging around till most people have gone so that I don't get caught up in the post match scramble etc, but does anyone have any ideas whether I have to make special arrangements with the club? - e.g. am I allowed to take crutches in (potential weapon), do I need to sit somewhere special, are there lifts to help me out etc etc. My mate is happy to drive me there and back so public transport is not an issue. I'm not a season ticket holder and vary where I sit from match to match (I'll be putting that right before Easter for next year).

Its an interesting experience this. Makes you appreciate all the little things that you take for granted and respect to all those who soldier on with more serious and permanent disabilities. I'm having to rig up a bed in the lounge for 6 weeks as my stairs are too narrow to risk it with crutches and our bedroom is on the third floor. Looks like that's bedroom olympics out for a while too (sorry Ponders)

I'll be looking to you lot to keep me amused during my recovery!

[AllHellLetLoose]

NWQ I think has lift access from street and you need to make sure you are in a seat next to the steps near the back (lift takes you up to back of stand). Crutches are not a problem as I've seen loads of people with them in NU.

Try buying FM 2012 the 6 weeks will fly by!

[The Artist Formerly Known As 'The_Kish']

Firstly, Good Luck and I hope its nowt too serious!

Secondly, I sit in the Lower West and technically just behind the Disable Area (past the away dugout). There is always acres of space and a few of the fans who sit there get wheeled in and then take their respective seats; I think there is a disabled gate entrance and toilet area in the south/west corner.

I know that is very little help but might be an idea to look at seating gin this area

[ybabobmij]

Cheers guys. I'll give the club a ring. As you say there must be hundreds of people with afflictions who watch Charlton and not all of them physical!!!!!

[Addick_Stu]

Good luck matey, if you sit near the dugout, you never know, the way our strikers are playing, you might be be needed up front !

[PondersEndAddick]

Don't worry too much, sweetheart. I've been knocking about with Tewks and AllHell behind your back. You know where to find me when you have recovered...

If you e-mail the club at customerservices@cafc.co.uk and let them know of your problems, they will do all they can to assist you. With a doctor's certificate they can organise for you to enter the ground at the end of the West Stand on ground level (Kish mentioned this, I believe). But as AllHell says, they have the lift in the North Stand, so there are options for you.

Good luck with it all, buddy.

[Ralphmilnesgut]

I sit in the Block H in the Upper North and a few years ago I was on crutches for four Months. There is a lift to the NW disabled (or whatever it's called) section and it stops at the Upper North by the bar and gents toilets. I used it every game and if you leave 5 minutes early (dont shout at me) or 10 minutes late you should be safe from the crowds.

Good luck

[ybabobmij]

Thanks folks for advice and good wishes. You'll be able spot me waving my crutches in frustration!

[ybabobmij]

And after all that I have developed a cold (NB not flu. Just a poxy cold) so they won't operate. Been deferred to 7 march. Not helping my prospects of seeing the run in. Toss!!!!!!