Kidderminster care home organises reunion for long-distance friends

A resident at a care home in Kidderminster has been reunited with her online pen pal after four years of friendship and more than 100 miles between them.

Jo Offord, who lives at Care UK’s Brook Court on Oldnall Road, and Tracey Lawrence first met through Different Strokes, a UK charity that helps working-age stroke survivors and their families reclaim their lives.

Since then, the pair have kept in touch online, sharing their news and stories. But they’d never met in person – until now.

Tracey, 62, travelled from south Wales with her partner Trevor to the care home and was welcomed with a homemade afternoon tea prepared by the home’s chefs.

The visit continued with a special activity inspired by Jo’s passions. Having once run her own floristry business and lived on a narrowboat, the team suggested they create a patio planter together, filled with blooms to commemorate their long-awaited meeting.

Jo, 52, said: “It was an absolutely wonderful day. I’m so happy the team made it so meaningful for us.

“Getting to know Tracey has been a wonderful experience. What started as an online friendship has turned into a bond for life.”

This special visit was made possible through Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to share their personal ambitions. Whether it's revisiting a past hobby or trying something completely new, every wish – no matter how big or small – is embraced and the team commits to making them a reality.

Shirley Summerbell, Home Manager at Brook Court, said: “Jo had been counting down the days to Tracey’s visit, so we wanted to make sure everything felt special for them both.

“It’s been lovely to see Jo growing in confidence over time, and this reunion felt like such a meaningful step for her. At Brook Court, we’re here to support people through whatever life throws their way – whether that’s coming to terms with an illness or adjusting to new circumstances. We always aim to provide the kind of care that makes moments like this possible.

“Watching Jo and Tracey finally meet after years of chatting online was a real joy for all of us.”

Brook Court 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 features 67 en-suite bedrooms and has been designed to enable its residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, café and hair and beauty salon.