102-year-old, former RAF pilot's dream to return to the cockpit comes true

A care home in Orpington organised a special trip for a retired RAF pilot to see the plane he flew during World War Two.  

Peter Lemon, 102 years old, a resident at Care UK’s Foxbridge House, on Sevenoaks Road, was surprised by the care home team with a visit to Brooklands Museum, in Weybridge, to see the plane he once operated, aged 22. 

After finding out about Peter’s former career as an RAF pilot, the team at Foxbridge House worked with volunteers from the museum to grant Peter’s wish to see the Vickers Wellington aircraft again. During his time flying the plane, Peter clocked up over 1,000 flying hours, with his longest route taking him from London to Japan. 

A guided tour was organised for the former pilot who met with a current pilot to discuss flying tips and tricks in a Vickers Wellington. After a guided tour, the pilots discussed how the planes were used to hunt submarines in the war and the different responsibilities of the servicemen on board.

Commenting on the visit, Peter said: “I am very thankful to see my plane again, which brought back such fond memories of my time in the sky.” 

Foxbridge House is not new to granting wishes, the care home has a Wishing Tree initiative which allows residents to suggest ideas for activities they would like to do. This supports residents to live active and fulfilling lives – from ziplining through mountains to a fish and chip supper, with no wish too big or small. 

Stella Barnes, Home Manager at Foxbridge House, said: “At Foxbridge House, we encourage residents to lead fulfilling lives, whether that comes from helping out in the garden or flying down memory lane like Peter. 

“It was lovely to see Peter reconnect with something he is passionate about. He was in his element at the museum sharing his knowledge but also taking in what the tour guides had to say too. 

“We were thrilled to be able to make Peter’s wish become reality. He had a wonderful time and loved every minute of seeing the planes up close. We want to say a big thank you to the team at Brooklands Museum and look forward to granting more wishes for the residents at Foxbridge House very soon.”

Foxbridge House, which has recently been refurbished, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, and will incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities and will include its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.