Stansted care home residents go full throttle in high-speed rally experience

Two thrill-seeking residents from a care home in Stansted had their need for speed fulfilled as they took to the racetrack.

 

Mavis Needham, 85, and Margaret Brown, 89, spent an afternoon at Langley Park Rally School, where they were driven at speeds of up to 70mph, taking part in hairpin turns, drifting and doughnuts.

Both ladies, residents at Care UK’s Mountfitchet House on Coltsfield, were beaming from ear to ear throughout the visit – with Mavis declaring she’d love to repeat the experience.

She said: “I wouldn't have missed that for the world. It was absolutely amazing – I’d do that over and over again!”

The rally school team was so touched by the residents’ visit that it donated to Race Against Dementia, a charity that raises funds to support pioneering dementia research and for which Care UK is currently fundraising.

The pair hung their wish to race around the track on the Mountfitchet House Wishing Tree, a special Care UK initiative that enables residents to revisit old hobbies and passions or try something new. Whether it’s a fish and chip supper, a skydive or watching a football match, no wish is too big or small for the team to try to grant.

Joanna Duke, Home Manager at Mountfitchet House, said: “We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to bring memorable experiences to residents’ lives – and this one certainly ticked all the boxes.

“It was fantastic to see Mavis and Margaret enjoying themselves and stepping outside their comfort zones. At Mountfitchet House, we believe it’s never too late to try something new, and experiences like this are a great way to bring joy, laughter and a real sense of adventure.”

Mountfitchet House is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. It incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and includes its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub.