Care home resident goes skiing for first time in three decades

A Stansted care home resident was delighted when her wish to rekindle her love for skiing was made a reality.

When the team at Care UK’s Mountfitchet House, on Coltsfield, learned that 68-year-old resident, Clare Bell, was an avid skier in her younger years and keen to get back on the slopes, they were delighted to make it happen.

Clare first tried out the sport aged just eight years old, when her parents took her on holiday to Chamonix, France. After a week at ski school, Clare had fallen in love with the adventurous hobby and continued to ski for over 30 years – even teaching her own children. 

Over the years, Clare and her family enjoyed many holidays, including to resorts in France, Austria and Switzerland. Clare’s last ski trip was in 1992, when she paused her hobby following a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.

Keen to make Clare’s dream come true, the team reached out to Snozone, in Milton Keynes, to arrange an unforgettable morning – even experiencing the slalom. 

Commenting on the experience, Clare said: “It was the best day ever, the adrenalin really kicked in and brought back such happy memories!

“One of my fondest memories from skiing was going on family holidays, me and my husband would ski down the mountains parallel to each other.”

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

Joanna Duke, Home Manager at Mountfitchet House, said: “Clare is always sharing fond memories of her time skiing in her younger days, so it was fantastic to see her fulfil her wish to return to the slopes. Her enthusiasm and bravery is truly inspirational.

“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. Clare had a fantastic time and hasn’t stopped talking about it since!

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team at Snozone, as well as to the team here at Mountfitchet House, for making Clare’s dream come true!”

Mountfitchet 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.