‘A ray of sunshine’ – Cheltenham care home hero crowned

Home news

Aug 27, 2020

A care home in Cheltenham has praised a resident for her support and positivity throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

May ‘Evie’ Francis, a resident at Care UK’s Sandfields, on St George’s Road, has been named a ‘Care UK Hero’ for her bubbly personality and support throughout the past few months.

The nomination was shared as part of a nationwide search for Care UK Heroes throughout its 122 care homes. From outstanding colleagues, to residents who have ensured morale remains high, this competition aims to shine a light on these exceptional people.

97-year-old Evie was praised for her positive, upbeat attitude throughout the last few months. A keen knitter and crocheter, and regular at the homes’ ‘knit and natter’ sessions, she made ear savers for Sandfields’ team members to relieve the pressure created by facemasks on their ears. 

Evie said: “I have always knitted and crocheted; I made my first jumper at the age of 10, which was red. None of my teachers could believe I made it, so they asked my mother to come in to check I was telling the truth. 

“I still make blankets and cardigans now, but mainly for babies and children, so making the ear savers was very straight forward and I was pleased they helped the team.”

Emma Mackenzie-Bedford, home manager at Sandfields, said: “Evie is a true ray of sunshine, and we’re all incredibly lucky she’s a part of the Sandfields family.  

“It’s been a challenging few months, but she never stopped looking on the bright side and has taught us all a valuable lesson in positivity. On top of brightening our days, she started knitting ear savers for the team when the pandemic started – and she hasn’t stopped since!

“From our nurses and lifestyle coordinators, to our housekeepers and chefs, as well as residents, everyone has done a tremendous job over the past few months, and I cannot thank Evie, the residents, and the team enough for continuing to make Sandfields a wonderful place to live.” 

Sandfields is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia, nursing and short-term respite care. The home, which features 90 ensuite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Sandfields, please contact Laura Sayburn, customer relations manager, at laura.sayburn@careuk.com,or call 01242 801 867.

For more general information, visit careuk.com/sandfields