Norwich care home resident’s childhood wishes comes true

 

A Norwich care home organised a rail-axing surprise for four train fanatic residents.

When the team at Care UK’s Cavell Court, on Dragonfly Lane, discovered that Sally Pilkington, 88, Margaret Wood, 85, Roger Bradley, 80, and Robert Murdoch, 89, had a passion for steam trains, they went full steam ahead organising a trip on the North Norfolk Railway.

On the day, residents were greeted by volunteers in Holt and climbed aboard for a day taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Norfolk coast. Everyone enjoyed fish and chips for lunch, while admiring the sunny blue skies and beaches in Sheringham.

Sally and Robert were delighted to fulfil a childhood dream, having never been onboard a steam train before, “as they were too expensive” when they were younger. Sally recalled: “I used to walk beside the tracks watching them go past.” She added: “What a wonderful day, thank you so much. Everything went perfectly and I thoroughly enjoyed the train ride and lunch.”

Robert said: “I have had a wonderful day, and it was good to do something different, thank you.”

Residents enjoyed chatting about their childhood seaside holidays, and Margaret reminisced on visiting Sheringham with her husband John. She also enjoyed telling the team and residents about how she lived in a beautiful beach town called Walberswick in Suffolk.

Margaret said: “The team works so hard to give us incredible days out. I have never been on a steam train, so this was an absolute treat.”

Roger said: “My favourite part of the day was the fish and chips, they were delicious!” 

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 a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Karen Curle, Home Manager at Cavell Court, said: “We had a wonderful afternoon sharing Sally, Margaret, Roger and Robert’s passion for steam trains and finally fulfilling their childhood wishes. 

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their hopes and dreams and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality. It was an incredibly special moment to see the residents’ faces light up when they saw the steam train pulling into the station.

“They’ve all had smiles on their faces ever since, and so have we. I’d like to say a huge thank you to the North Norfolk Railway for helping to make everyone’s day!”