“I can’t believe you’ve pulled it off!” – wish comes true for local care home resident

A 91-year-old care home resident from Ware was delighted when his wish came true. 

Colin Draper, a resident at Care UK’s Snowdrop House, on Baldock Street, couldn’t believe it when the team organised for him to go swimming again – something he never thought he’d be able to do.

In his younger years, Colin had a huge love for the sport and played water polo for many years. When the team at Snowdrop House asked if Colin would like to add something to the home’s ‘Wishing Tree’, an initiative launched by Care UK which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit and activities they’d like to do, Colin instantly knew his wish was to return to the pool. 

With the help of nearby Hanbury Manor, the team quickly set to work organising a private swimming session for Colin, who aptly requested to wear his speedos for the big day.

Colin said: “When the team told me they had organised for me to go swimming, I couldn’t believe they had pulled it off. Nobody would believe a nearly 91-year-old man was going in the pool again. It was amazing!”

Clare Crow, Home Manager at Snowdrop House, said: “When Colin wished to go swimming again, we knew it was something we just had to surprise him with. 

“Here at Snowdrop House, we love supporting residents to complete lifelong wishes in their next chapter. We encourage everyone to dream big or small, and let us know what they want to achieve. This could be anything from visiting the beach, to meeting an unusual animal, or even asking for a message from their favourite singer – and we try our best to make it happen.

“It was incredibly emotional to see Colin back in his happy place once again – the huge smile on his face said it all, and it’s a memory I’m sure we will all treasure for many years to come.”

The wishing tree initiative sees Care UK homes across the country go above and beyond to support residents to lead fulfilling lives. These wishes can be big or small, with wishes granted previously including visiting the Vatican to meet the Pope, having penguins visit the care home, and even one resident set to jump out of a plane later this month. 

Snowdrop House delivers a full range of residential and nursing care for older people, including short-term respite care, and specialist care for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

To find out more about Snowdrop House, please call Customer Relations Manager Sharon Butler on 01920 897553 or email sharon.butler@careuk.com.

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/snowdrop-house.