A roaring good time – Banbury care home resident goes on safari

A resident at a care home in Banbury was delighted when her wish to relive one of her most cherished memories was made a reality

When the team at Care UK’s Highmarket House, on North Bar Place, learned that 68-year-old Christine Wyatt had been on a safari in her younger days and was keen to relive her happiest memories, they were determined to make it happen.

The team reached out to West Midland Safari Park, who were delighted to invite Christine along for a VIP tour experience – giving her an up-close and personal encounter with a variety of exotic animals including lions, rhinos and giraffes.

On the day, Christine was able to feed giraffes and penguins, hold a snake and watch the sea lions perform a show specially for her – after she persuaded them with lots of fish!

Christine first went on a safari during a visit to India in the 1970s, when her love for animals began. 

Commenting on her experience, Christine said: “The VIP tour was fantastic. I loved getting to feed all the different animals and my favourite part of the day was talking to the giraffes while I fed them apples and bananas. I also got to hold a snake which was amazing, I love snakes – I love all animals!”

Bethan Davis, PR and Events Officer at West Midland Safari Park, added: “We’re so pleased that we were able to help the team at Highmarket House achieve Christine’s dream to go on safari – albeit in Worcestershire! We’re glad that Christine had such a fantastic day and hopefully has made some wonderful memories.”

The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish it too big or small.

Francesca Cowley, Home Manager at Highmarket House, said: “Christine is a huge animal-lover – she’s always sharing fond memories of exciting animal encounters from her younger days, so when she shared she was interested in doing a safari again, the team knew they had to make it happen.

“The Wishing Tree is a fantastic way for residents to share their dreams and interests, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Christine had a wonderful time on her safari experience, meeting and learning more about the animals – she hasn’t stopped smiling since.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the team here at Highmarket House, as well as the fantastic team at West Midland Safari Park for a wonderful day and for making Christine’s wish come true!”

Highmarket House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Highmarket House please call Customer Relations Manager, Daniel Worley, on 01295 297596 or email daniel.worley@careuk.com

For more general information, visit careuk.com/highmarket-house