Rugby wish scores big for Cambridge care home resident

A care home in Cambridge has successfully tackled granting one resident’s wish by taking them to watch one of his favourite teams in action.

Colin Goodwille, 79 and resident at Care UK’s Heathlands House on Bullen Close, has been a dedicated rugby fan for many years and previously spent time as a social member at Cambridge Rugby Club.

To help bring back fond memories of the sport he loves, the home’s team arranged for Colin to attend the Blood and Sand’s match against Cornish Pirates, allowing him to soak up the matchday atmosphere once again.

Accompanied on his visit by his wife, Fiona, Colin had the opportunity to meet members of the club’s committee, who were delighted to welcome him back.

He also stopped by the home dressing room, where he was able to chat with the players and relive the camaraderie he has always loved about the sport.

Colin said: “I had a fantastic day and the visit brought back lots of great memories.”

Colin’s 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 for the team to try to grant.

Razvan Stanbeca, Home Manager at Heathlands House, said: “Rugby has always been a huge passion for Colin, so being able to arrange a return to Ellgia Fields was incredibly special. 

“Seeing him back enjoying the matchday atmosphere and meeting the players again was fantastic for everyone involved. From kick-off to the final whistle, it was clear Colin had a brilliant time – despite the scoreline!

“Moments like this show just how important it is for residents to reconnect with the things they love, and we were delighted to help make that happen.”

Heathlands House offers full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, including its own cinema room, hair and beauty salon and pub. The layout of the building has been configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge and dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.