A lifelong Brighton & Hove Albion season ticket holder was given the chance to meet club legend Glenn Murray – thanks to a competition hosted by Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter.
Gym club coach Andrew Hair, his wife Pauline, daughter Rebecca and grandson Caleb Jordan had a pitch-side photo with Murray before the Seagulls’ 3-1 final-day victory over West Ham on Sunday, 22 May.
The family, of Hurstpierpoint, were then treated to a three-course pre-match lunch in HB’s Restaurant alongside ex-Albion players, before watching the match. They were also given a framed, signed home shirt.
Andrew, who has been running Hurstpierpoint Gymnastics Club for more than 40 years, said: “We all had a fabulous day thanks to the Mayo Wynne Baxter team and everyone at the Amex – we were pampered from start to finish.
“It was wonderful to meet Glenn Murray and also Bobby Zamora, who are two of my all-time Albion dream team members thanks to the pleasure they have given us in the past.
“We will treasure the opportunity to go pitch-side for the presentation and we are delighted to have photos to remember the occasion. We hadn’t been to HB’s Restaurant before and the staff were so helpful and attentive the whole of our time there.
“The result added to the day, which was finished off in style with the gift of a replica shirt to our grandson – now proudly wearing it – and a photo opportunity with Marc Cucurella, who we spotted in the car park as we left the ground.”
Mayo Wynne Baxter has sponsored the largest platinum lounge within Brighton’s prestigious 1901 Club since The Amex Stadium opened in 2011. Last year, the firm announced it had extended its partnership until the end of 2025/26 season.
The firm hosted a fan-zone activation ‘Spot the Ball’ competition in September 2019 in collaboration with the club, with the winner receiving a hospitality package for the day. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the prize was put on hold until the final day of the 2021/22 season.
Lorna Gietzen, marketing executive at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: “We are so glad that as winners of our competition, Andrew and his family have finally been able to experience their prize. When Covid struck, we paused the competition and eventually, ended up closing it to further entries. Eight people had chosen the correct grid spot, so we randomly selected a winner out of a hat.
“We have been a strong supporter of sport across Sussex over the years and we are proud to be Albion sponsors – not only because of their impressive journey up the divisions, but also because of the amount of work they do within their local community.”