The care home that makes dreams come true: A video message from Cliff Richard, a spin in a Ferrari, and even a ‘royal’ visit. In these gloom-laden times, meet the miracle care worker whose residents couldn’t wish for more!
- Residents of Stratton Court, Gloucestershire saw wishes come true in lockdown
- Those at the retirement village placed hopes on white-painted branches of tree
- David Ible, the Activities Lead, helped Marjorie, 89, get message from her idol
With lockdown, loneliness and the lack of physical contact with loved ones, it’s hard to think of a less appealing place to live right now than one of our 18,000 care homes — as the Mail has been highlighting in our Christmas campaign.
But for the 30 or so residents of Stratton Court, life hasn’t been anywhere near as bad as it could be.
Yes, the regular happy hours in the glittery bar are temporarily on hold, and the cinema, beauty parlour, massage room and lounge are not open as usual.
But there is one thing that has been perking everyone up: the small, spindly tree perched on the counter in the main reception area.
It doesn’t look much — just a tangle of white-painted branches with a few paper notes dangling off it on bits of string. But it has been making some extraordinary wishes come true.
The magic began in early October, with Marjorie, an 89-year-old widow, dementia sufferer and Cliff Richard superfan who has spent most of her life praying to meet her idol.
