Our partners Blowing Bubbles have been inundated by West Ham supporters in self-isolation.Editor David Blackmore made a pledge earlier this week to send a copy to those in the UK who were stuck indoors and he says the emails the team have received highlight just how difficult it is for many Hammers fans.
One person wrote: “I’m a life-long Iron of 50 years – my first game Charlton v West Ham at the Valley in 1967 – and I’m now miserable and in self-isolation. I would love to have my heart reminded of the good old times and the not good old times!”
While another said: “I’m a 77-year-old ‘Mighty Hammers’ supporter, since 1959, who now lives in North Oxfordshire. I am a season ticket holder at West Ham and therefore have to travel over two hours in each direction to attend home games. I am following Government advice and am participating with the self-isolation plan so I would love a copy of Blowing Bubbles.”
Another person in self-isolation wrote to Blowing Bubbles and said: “I’m 72 years old and I’m in self-isolation because I am in two high risk coronavirus categories and I just don’t want to leave the house. I was born about eight miles from Upton Park and my brother took me to my first game when I was about eight. I remember being passed over the heads of the crowd to the front so I could see the game! Much has changed at the club since then and not all for the better sadly but I’m still a fan! I now live in Yorkshire and can’t afford the cost of a ticket, traveling to London, accommodation, etc. Unfortunately the changed ticketing system since the move to the new stadium means I can’t get away game tickets any more either. It seems the club is just a money grabbing entity nowadays. However, it’s still the Hammers. Here’s hoping for better times ahead. If you have any copies left it would cheer up immensely if you can send one to me.”
Another wrote: “I’ve been isolated from work this week because my asthma has been bad so a copy of your fanzine would really cheer me up. Being stuck at home is tough – What you guys are doing is amazing. Stay safe.”
While a fellow Hammer said: “I’m from Northern Ireland and I’m in self-isolation because I do show symptoms but not enough to make me feel like I’m dying. I’m a life-long hammer and being a life long Hammer makes us pretty tough. I know there aren’t many cases in my country but I got sick about four days ago after a hospital visit in Belfast for a different matter and since then I’ve shown all the symptoms – the worst of which is the burning chest and being breathless despite not being a smoker. I’m bored silly as I live in shared accommodation so I don’t want my housemates getting sick, so I’ve seen my bedroom walls for the last week. I’ve been watching West Ham clips on YouTube to keep me occupied as there is no football on and I would love a copy of your brilliant fanzine to help keep me sane!”
Do you know anyone in isolation? Or are you, in fact, the one in isolation? Contact David on editor@blowing-bubbles.co.uk and make sure include your details, and the details of those in self-isolation.
