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'I used life savings to take grandad to World Cup'

Jasmine LoweIn East Yorkshire
News imageJasmine Lowe/BBC News Jacob (the grandson) is on the left, it's a sunny day and he's in a blue England cap with a red England shirt on. He has brown hair and blue eyes, he's smiling. To his left is his grandad Geoff he has sunglasses on and a thatch hat. He looks happy and is in a matching England shirt which is white. Jasmine Lowe/BBC News
Jacob Allmendinger spent around £10,000 on the trip, but said the money was mostly spent on tickets

A man who used money saved for a house deposit to take his grandad to the World Cup says he has "no regret" about the decision.

Jacob Allmendinger, 21, from North Ferriby in East Yorkshire, has spent about £10,000 on the trip for himself and his grandad, Geoff Golliker. The pair will travel to New York to watch England play Panama before hoping to follow the team through the tournament.

"The choice was between this or a house deposit and I don't regret choosing it at all. You can make the money back, but memories are forever," Jacob said.

Mr Golliker said he did not hesitate when his grandson invited him: "I'm getting more excited each day… it was an instant yes."

News imageJasmine Lowe/BBC News Jacob and Geoff are stood in a garden in front of a bush. They're holding a large England flag, but on the top left of the flag there's a Hull City emblem. On the red cross it says 'Hull City AFC' and either side of the bottom corner it reads Jacob and Grandad Geoff. Jasmine Lowe/BBC News
Jacob bought the flag they are holding as a Christmas present for Geoff

The pair regularly attend Hull City games at home and away together and were at Wembley to watch the team's promotion to The Premier League.

Jacob said football had become especially important to them after the death of his grandmother.

"Ever since grandma died, football's been a massive part of our lives really," he said.

Geoff added: "Certainly, it really has been my saviour, she'd have absolutely loved this trip."

They are planning to travel across the United States if England progress in the tournament, with Jacob organising the itinerary.

"I was quite happy for him to arrange it all. I've now learned how to order an Uber, so I might be able to do that for us," Geoff said.

News imageJasmine Lowe/BBC News An old photograph of a younger Geoff and his grandsons as children next to a Christmas tree. They are all wearing identical Hull City shirts. Geoff has his arm around Jacob. Jasmine Lowe/BBC News
Geoff has been taking his grandson to Hull City games for most of his life, now Jacob says he is returning the favour

Jacob said the trip did not feel real yet: "It's so surreal thinking we're actually going, considering we booked it over a year ago. The stadiums on TV are huge."

"It will be an experience we'll never forget."

Geoff said the journey meant as much for the time spent together as the football itself.

"Having a grandson like Jacob is absolutely fantastic, but I've got to say all my grandkids are fabulous," he added.

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