Sky’s the limit! Stroud care home resident’s wish to fly made a reality

A resident at a care home in Stroud was delighted when his wish to take to the skies was made a reality.

When the team at Care UK’s Scarlet House, on Westward Road, learned that 93-year-old John Mandeville was keen to dust of his pilot’s hat and fly a plane for the first time in 13 years, they were determined to make it happen.

Having spent 40 years working in administrative roles for the RAF, John always wanted to learn to fly himself and was delighted when he received the opportunity to take lessons aged 80. 13 years later, John was keen to put his skills to the test and see if he still had the knack.

The team at Scarlet House organised for John to fly a Piper PA28 at Gloucestershire Airport.

Commenting on the experience, John said: “There’s no better feeling than flying! During my time with the RAF, I took every opportunity I could to fly with the squadrons so I was incredibly proud when the flight instructor allowed me to take over the controls and fly myself.”

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 is too big or small.

Lydnsey Dixon, Home Manager at Scarlet House, said: “John absolutely loved his flying lessons, and is always sharing fond memories of his time in the sky, so when he told us he was interested in getting back in the cockpit, the team knew they had to make it happen.

“Our wishing tree initiative is a great way for residents to share their dreams and interests, and it’s so rewarding to be able to make these a reality. John had a wonderful time and was delighted to be able to fly again once more – he’s already talking about his next trip!

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team here at Scarlet House, as well as to Gloucestershire Airport, for making John’s wish come true!”

To find out more about Scarlet House, contact Katerina Pippi, on 01453 358395, email katerina.pippi@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/scarlet-house

Scarlet House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, 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.