99th birthday wish trots into reality for Norwich care home resident

A 99-year-old resident at a care home in Norwich has marked her birthday by reconnecting with a lifelong love.

Barbara Howard, who lives at Care UK’s Cavell Court on Dragonfly Lane in Cringleford, was treated to a private tour of a Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Aylsham to celebrate turning 99 – and the special day proved to be the ‘mane’ event she had been dreaming of.

Barbara met the sanctuary’s residents, learned more about their care and enjoyed plenty of time up close with the horses. 

She even ensured she had a noble steed by her side for the occasion…in the form of her cuddly horse toy.

Barbara said: “It rained and the wind blew, but it didn’t spoil the day. Being back with the horses around me brought back many old memories. Horses have always meant a great deal to me. 

“I met a donkey called Choco, and it gave me such a smile. My little cuddly horse has the same name, and it felt like one of those small, lovely surprises life still gives you.”

Barbara’s love of horses began at a very young age, inspired by her father who had hoped to become a jockey in his younger years but was unable to afford the training, instead completing an apprenticeship as an engineer.

He later served in the first world war, where he worked on horseback. He would often share stories about the horses with Barbara, sparking a passion that would stay with her for life.

Aged 21, Barbara began horse riding lessons, paying for them with her wages from her job at a hotel. She worked double shifts in bookkeeping and as a receptionist to cover the classes.

Her dedication soon paid off and eight years later she bought her own horse – a cob mare named Tinkerbell, affectionately known as Tinks.

Barbara’s birthday experience was made possible thanks to Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. This encourages residents to lead fulfilling lives – from skiing to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Pedro Campos, Home Manager at Cavell Court, said: “We always try to make birthdays special, but turning 99 called for something extra special.

“As soon as we heard Barbara talk about her love of horses and her memories of Tinkerbell, we knew a trip to see them again would mean the world to her.

“Seeing her smile from start to finish was just wonderful, and it was such a lovely moment for everyone there.”

Lynn Cutress, Redwings CEO, said: “It was a pleasure to host Barbara for her special birthday wish, and to introduce her to the rescued horses and donkeys at Redwings Aylsham. We share Barbara’s deep love for horses and are proud that our charity’s Visitor Centres facilitate special moments like this where people can enjoy meeting residents like Choco and Patch nose-to-nose!” 

Cavell Court is a modern care home that provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the building has its very own cinema, café and hair and beauty salon, and there is plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.