Cheadle resident surprised at local donkey sanctuary

A care home resident at a Cheadle care home got a real kick out of a special animal visit.  

Jane Marsh, aged 81, who lives at Care UK’s Abney Court, on Abney Hall Park, had her wish come true when she popped into a local donkey sanctuary to see her favourite animals. 

The visit was organised by the care home team after Jane made the wish to spend time with the gentle creatures on the home’s Wishing Tree. On the day, Jane enjoyed an exclusive VIP tour of The Donkey Sanctuary Manchester – which had been opened just for her. 

Growing up in the countryside, Jane spent many weekends surrounded by the animals, and even kept two as pets; a pony called Flame, and a donkey called Donkey. Keen to pass on her love for the animals, Jane bought her daughter a donkey which they named Flash. The two often enjoyed walks along the beach – where one day, Flash decided to gallop off with Jane’s daughter in tow. 

Commenting on the visit, Jane said: “I loved being around the donkeys again, they were so calm. It brought back so many memories of my childhood.”

The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree initiative which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Amcia Hara, Home Manager at Abney Court, said: “Jane always speaks fondly of her younger years and of the donkeys she used to care for – we love hearing all about these unusual pets!

“Many people believe moving into a care home means no more new or meaningful experiences. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and this is exactly why our Wishing Tree exists; it’s a wonderful way for residents to relive old memories and experience things that matter to them. We were thrilled to be able to make Jane’s wish come true; you could tell just how much it meant to her from her reaction.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to The Donkey Sanctuary Manchester for giving Jane the full celebrity treatment, and to the team here at Abney Court who helped to make this possible.” 

Abney Court has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.