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“Age has no boundaries” – the sky’s the limit for 99-year-old Davers Court resident

Home news

Oct 02, 2018

 

A resident from Davers Court took to the skies to inspire others and tick a wish off her bucket list.

99-year-old Olwyn Hopkins, a resident at Davers Court, was surprised by the team with the opportunity to overcome a fear she has had for more than 80 years.  

Born in Wales, Olwyn spent much of her life in Portsmouth before moving to London with her husband David. Olwyn’s first experience of flying in a small aircraft was 81 years ago, when she was just 19 years old. She didn’t enjoy the experience and hasn’t been on a similar plane since. 

Olwyn’s last journey in a small plane was from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight, more than eight decades ago. Now, with her 100thbirthday just eight months away, she hoped to take to the skies once more, and the team at Davers Court gladly made it happen. 

With the help of Rattlesden Gliding Club, Olwyn travelled to the airfield for her chance to take to the skies once more. Leaving from Felsham, the 99-year-old was able to take in the views of the world beneath.

Wendy Harvey, home manager at Davers Court, said: “Here at Davers Court it is important for us to really know our residents and understand their wants and needs – whether it’s putting on a new weekly workshop at the request of a resident, or organising something more adventurous for them to do! 

“When Olwyn submitted her wish to our ‘wishing well’, we were thrilled to be able to make her request happen and help her tick a real ‘must do’ off her bucket list. Olwyn had a brilliant time and it was great to see her overcome a fear she’s had for so many years – she’s not stopped smiling since!” 

Olwyn added: “I wanted to show people that you can do anything you want to, no matter how old you are – age has no boundaries! 

“It was a wonderful day and I was delighted to be able to get back into an aircraft. I didn’t think I’d get the chance again after all these years, so it was a fantastic surprise. It was a really memorable day – I can’t thank Rattlesden Gliding Club and the team at Davers Court enough for organising this experience for me.”  

Open to new residents

Shakers Lane, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 7BN

Davers Court

Davers Court
CQC Rating: Good
  • Residential care
  • Dementia care
  • Respite care
  • End of life care
  • Day club
  • Nursing care
  • Nursing dementia care
0333 321 1982
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