Wish comes ‘choo’ for Adderbury care home residents

Local care home residents were delighted to have their dream come true after wishing to ride on a steam train.

Five residents from Care UK’s Seccombe Court, on Gardner Way, were surprised with a trip through the Gloucestershire countryside in a steam train after they had wished to ride on one once again.

The care home team have a ‘Wishing Tree’ initiative, which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. This encourages residents to live fulfilling lives – from skiing to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Eric Sewell, Cyril Allan, Carl Wright, Derek Bamborough and Alan Nicholls had all enjoyed train rides through the countryside in their younger years and put their wish to do this once again on the wishing tree. The team got to work quickly and couldn’t wait to help their dream become a reality.

The group soon headed down to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway and started their journey at Toddington Station. The journey took the group to Cheltenham Racecourse where they stopped while the engine was switched to the other end of the train. 

Resident Carl Wright especially loved stopping in Cheltenham as he used to own horses and raced them at the course for many years. 

The residents enjoyed a freshly made picnic on the train while they enjoyed the views of the countryside.  

Derek Bamborough said: “As a child in Newcastle I used to go on holidays with my parents on trains. I also used to collect train numbers at the station with my friends, so it was great to be on a steam train again.”

Wojciech Kuczkowski, General Manager at Seccombe Court, said: “We had a fantastic time on our train journey from Toddington to Cheltenham. 

“Here at Seccombe Court, we are always looking for new, innovative ways to engage with residents, and support them to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. Everyone at the home knows how much Eric, Cyril, Carl, Derek and Alan love steam trains, which is why we knew surprising them with a train journey would make their day.  

“It was a wonderful day, and the smiles on the gentlemen’s faces warmed our hearts. We can’t wait for the next trip!” 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Seccombe Court incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. 

To find out more about Seccombe Court, call Home Admissions Advisor, Steve Dumbrill, on 01295 298795, email steve.dumbrill@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/seccombe-court