Boxers switch on lights at Hatfield House care home

Two boxing brothers will be hearing festive bells when they officially turn on the Christmas lights of Hatfield House care home in Doncaster on Thursday 6 December.

Twins Jamie and Gavin McDonnell will be the guests of honour at the Brightening Up The Local Community ceremony at Anchor’s Hatfield House in Crooks Broom Avenue, Hatfield.

Hatfield House will be among Anchor’s 118 care homes who will be switching on their Christmas lights on this day to officially launch the festivities across England. Residents will then have a singalong with an entertainer followed by a buffet tea. 

Jamie is the former IBF World Bantamweight Champion, while his brother Gavin is a former British Super-Bantamweight champion.

Manager of Hatfield House, Mark Hague, said the residents absolutely love Christmas and the ceremony would be a great start to the festivities at the home.

He said: “Anchor’s care homes across the country will be inviting members of the public to their switching on the lights ceremonies as part of our national campaign to brighten up our local communities.

“Christmas is such an time for our residents and they enjoy all the festivities, especially getting round the tree to sing carols.

“It’s crucial to organise meaningful activities for our residents as these boost their mental and physical well-being as well as being fun!”

One resident who is particularly looking forward to the boxing brothers’ visit is Bill Taylor, 93, who has lived at Hatfield House since October 2016.He said: “I’m really looking forward to Jamie and Gavin visiting the home because I’m a big boxing fan. It is good to get local talented sportsmen coming into the home.

“I like living at Hatfield House and enjoy playing dominoes but people don’t always know how to play correctly.”

For more information on Hatfield House care home, contact 01302 844 889.