80-year-old Bromsgrove care home resident skis for first time

 

A Bromsgrove care home resident was delighted when her lifelong wish to ski for the first time was made a reality.

When the team at Care UK’s Chandler Court, on Recreation Road, learned that 80-year-old resident, Margaret Syms, has never skied before and was keen to take to the slopes, they were delighted to make it happen.

Margaret who said, “it’s never too late to try something new”, has always enjoyed sport, with a particular love for cricket, horse riding and swimming, but had never had the opportunity to ski.

Ahead of the day Margaret said: “I’m so excited and not nervous at all. Skiing is something I’ve always wanted to do as it looks exhilarating, but my husband was never interested in giving it a go as he doesn’t like the cold!”

Margaret added: “Instead we both love spending time together at Disneyland. My favourite place on the entire planet is Disneyland Florida – me and my husband have been together four times; we both love the rides because they’re so magical and there is no other place quite like it.”

Keen to make Margaret’s dream come true, the team reached out to Disability Snowsport UK at Tamworth Snowdome to arrange an unforgettable morning. Rebecca Pearce, Customer Relations Manager at Chandler Court, took to the slopes with Margaret and the pair even experienced the slalom. Warming up after the session, everyone enjoyed a cup of tea and sandwiches.

Margaret, who was born in Western-super-Mare on 4^th August 1944, grew up with her younger brother, mother and father. She met her husband, Basil Syms, in 1964 at a family gathering when Basil was home from the army, and the happy couple married two years later in 1966. They’ve now been married for 58 years and have two children, four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Before having children, Margaret enjoyed her job working as a registered nurse in Western-super-Mare hospital.

Margaret’s father was in the army, so she spent much of her childhood travelling around the world. Her love for sport saw her learn to swim in Germany, play cricket in Ireland, but her passion has always been horse riding – which she learnt to do during college.

Commenting on the experience, Margaret said: “I had the most amazing time, and I will remember this day forever – I didn’t want to come off the slopes and I didn’t find it hard at all! I learnt that at Chandler Court I can do anything and Becca and Taylor will arrange it for me.”

When asked if she’d like to do it again, Margaret said: “Absolutely yes! When?”  

Margaret added: “My favourite part of the day was when after the first couple of runs we went faster – I loved it! I’ve always wanted to take to the slopes and I’m very happy to have done it now. Skiing was like nothing I’ve ever done before. 

Commenting on her sporty lifestyle: “I enjoy staying as active as I can – it helps me to enjoy special days like these. I want to encourage the younger generation to try skiing, but also, I would like to encourage the older generation, because if I can do it, anyone can!”

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 hobby or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Lilly Dahms, Home Manager at Chandler Court, said: “Margaret is always sharing fond memories of her swimming, horse riding and cricketing days, so it was fantastic to see her finally fulfil her lifelong wish to take to the slopes. Her enthusiasm and bravery are truly inspirational, and she has certainly proven that it is never too late to try something new.

“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. Margaret 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 Disability Snowsport UK at Tamworth Snowdome, as well as to the team here at Chandler Court, for making Margaret’s dream come true!”

Chandler Court is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, café and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.