Bracknell care home resident relives ‘try-mendous’ memories at rugby match

A long-time rugby lover was thrilled after her care home organised front row seats at a national game.

Care UK’s Bickerton House, on Warfield Road, pulled out all the stops for resident Yvonne Taylor when they discovered it was her wish to attend a rugby match again.

Office worker Yvonne, who has fond memories of watching rugby games with her late husband, attended the England v Ireland Six Nations women’s match at Twickenham on Saturday 20^th April.

Along with celebrating England’s triumphant 88-10 win, Yvonne and her friends enjoyed soaking up the buzz of a busy stadium and a spectacular fireworks display – topped off with a lively half-time performance by singer Sophie Ellis-Bexter.

Yvonne said: “Seeing England win was amazing. We were sat right at the front next to the try line. I just couldn’t believe I was actually there. 

“We all enjoyed singing to the national anthems and loved seeing Sophie Ellis-Bexter. The fireworks and the atmosphere were amazing – everyone was brilliant.”

The day re-awakened special memories for Yvonne, who has been a rugby fan for over 20 years and used to watch matches with her late husband George. The couple previously enjoyed a visit to Twickenham in the noughties to see the Saracens play.

Yvonne said: “Rugby was something George and I always loved. It was one special thing we could enjoy together as a family. I haven’t been able to go on my own since George passed away, so I had an absolutely brilliant day.”

The trip was organised as part of the care 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 a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Dorothy Pye, Home Manager at Bickerton House, said: “We are always looking for new and exciting ways to support residents to lead fulfilling lives, and The Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way of doing just that.

“When the team heard that Yvonne would like to relive her special memories at a rugby match, we knew we had to make it happen. 

“Yvonne has been smiling since we returned and has enjoyed telling other residents about her fantastic day. We are delighted we’ve been able to make Yvonne’s try-mendous wish come true.”

Bickerton House has been designed to encourage residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment. The state-of-the-art care home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care and features a bar and café, cinema, hair salon, activities room and garden.