A SKY Blues in the Community volunteer who has given up over 1000 hours of his own time for others despite being diagnosed with cancer and suffering a stroke has been gifted tickets to watch Coventry City at Wembley on Saturday.
Ron Bannister, who started volunteering for the charity nine years ago, has been gifted a once-in-a-lifetime experience by the English Football League (EFL) for the Championship Play-Off final between Coventry and Luton Town.
His beloved Sky Blues are just one game away from securing a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2001.
The 72-year-old has been put forward for the tickets by the club as a thank-you for his tireless work and dedication to the charity.
His big reward includes the tickets for the match as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of Wembley.
Ron was first associated with the charity when he was asked to volunteer on its walking football programme, designed to support those with prostate cancer.
Ron was diagnosed with prostate cancer shortly after following a check-up he had through the Sky Blues in the Community scheme, but he continued with his voluntary work, fitting his role in between his treatment.
And despite suffering a stroke just 18 months ago, Ron has continued his community work, which he said is what motivates him to make a full recovery.
Ron has been to Wembley to watch his club twice before- in 1987 when they won the FA Cup and five years ago when the Sky Blues beat Exeter to win the League Two playoff final.
He said: “It will be a very special day for me to be there at Wembley watching Coventry City in the Play-Off Final. I feel proud of my team and very lucky to be there.
“I’d just arrived home from walking football when Dave Busst called me to tell me the news. I didn’t believe it.
“I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone at Sky Blues in the Community for nominating me, I’m sure it will be a day I’ll never forget.”
