Worcester resident surprised with special visitor

Residents at a Worcester care home got a real kick out of a special animal visit.  

Harry King, who lives at Care UK’s Perry Manor, on Charles Hastings Way, saw his wish come true when a donkey trotted into the care home.   

The visit was organised by the care home team after Harry made the wish to spend time with the gentle creatures again on the home’s Wishing Tree. On the day, Harry, along with two other residents who used to raise donkeys, were given the opportunity to pet a donkey from Second Chance Petting Farm.

Harry, aged 91 and a former life insurance broker, kept donkeys as pets with his wife. He has especially fond memories of a pair he kept in his younger years, Pippin and Tog. 

Commenting on the visit, Harry said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the donkey appear in front of me – it was like magic. It was a very special moment and brought back fond memories of when I cared for Pippin and Tog. I feel very lucky.”

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.

Katherine Matthews, Home Manager at Perry Manor, said: “Harry always speaks fondly of his younger years, and of the donkeys he 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 experience. 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 Harry’s wish come true; you could tell just how much it meant to him from his reaction.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to Second Chance Petting Farm for bringing a donkey to the home, and to the team here at Perry Manor who helped make this possible.” 

Perry Manor is a state-of-the-art Care UK home, which provides full time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short term respite care. Rated outstanding by the CQC, the home is designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, cafe and hair salon, with plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.