A triumphant surprise! Newbury care home resident takes a spin in nostalgic car

A resident at a care home in Newbury was auto-ly delighted when her wish to be reunited with her favourite car was made a reality. 

When the team at Care UK’s Winchcombe Place, on Maple Crescent, learned that the 86-year-old Patricia Steven’s pride and joy in her younger years was a Triumph Spitfire, they were determined to reunite her with the classic car.

Having owned one of the timeless vehicles for 30 years, Patricia has many fond memories of trips out and times spent with loved ones, including driving to Spain when she was in her twenties, and was keen to relive the thrill of the ride.

The team arranged a special visit for Patricia, thanks to a local car enthusiast, who was shocked when a car almost identical to the one she owned showed up in the home’s car park.

Speaking of the experience, Patricia said: “It was amazing to sit in the car and feel the engine – when the driver put his foot down, the sensation of just zooming along was fantastic!

“I never thought I’d get the chance to sit in a sports car again and I’m so grateful to everyone who made this happen – it was such a lovely surprise.”

The special 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 is too big or small.

Shirley Summerbell, Home Manager at Winchcombe Place, added: “When Patricia shared her wish to have a ride in a sports car, the team were excited to make it happen.

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and ambitions and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Patricia is always sharing fond memories of the trips she used to take in her own Spitfire and she had a wonderful time reliving this – she hasn’t stopped smiling since!

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team here at Winchcombe Place for making Patricia’s day – she’s already planning her next outing!”

Winchcombe Place is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, 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 Winchcombe Place, call Customer Relations Manager, Vicki Lambourne, on vicki.lambourne@careuk.com or call 01635 783098.

For general information, please visit: careuk.com/winchcombe-place