A devoted England fan has given up the £10000 he spent five years saving for a house deposit so he can take his 80 year old grandad on the World Cup trip of a lifetime.
Jacob Allmendinger, 21, from North Ferriby in East Yorkshire, says he has no regrets about putting home ownership on hold after spending his savings on an unforgettable football adventure with his grandfather Geoff Golliker.
The pair are due to fly to the United States on Friday, where they will begin a tour across North America centred around England’s World Cup campaign. Their first stop is New York, where they hope to watch England take on Panama before following the team deeper into the tournament.
Jacob said the decision was simple.
“I can always make the money back. I’m young enough to wait another two or three years before buying a house. But I will never get the chance to go to a World Cup with my grandad again.”
He added: “The choice was between this or a house deposit and I do not regret choosing it at all. You can make the money back, but memories are forever.”
The pair are lifelong football fans who regularly travel together to support Hull City, including their recent promotion winning trip to Wembley.
Jacob said football became even more important to them following the death of his grandmother.
“Ever since grandma died, football has been a massive part of our lives.”
Geoff said the game helped him through one of the toughest periods of his life.
“It really has been my saviour. She would have absolutely loved this trip.”
When Jacob invited him to join the World Cup adventure, Geoff did not hesitate.
“It was an instant yes. I am getting more excited every day.”
Jacob has planned the entire itinerary as they prepare to travel across the United States if England continue progressing through the competition.
Geoff joked that he has at least mastered one important travel skill.
“I was quite happy for him to arrange it all. I have now learned how to order an Uber, so I might be able to do that for us.”
Despite booking the trip more than a year ago, Jacob says it still feels surreal.
“It does not feel real yet. It is amazing to think we are actually going. The stadiums look huge on television and it will be an experience we will never forget.”
For Geoff, however, the journey is about much more than football.
“Having a grandson like Jacob is absolutely fantastic. Spending this time together means everything.”
