Fleet care home resident’s love of horses rekindled in heartwarming reunion

A resident at a care home in Fleet has been reunited with her lifelong passion for horses, thanks to a touching wish from her husband.

Mary Mahon, who lives at Care UK’s Bourley Grange on Bourley Road in Church Crookham, was treated to a private tour of Brookfield Farm Equestrian Centre bringing cherished memories of riding and showjumping back to life.

The surprise outing was made possible after Mary’s husband, Rodney, asked the care team through the home’s Wishing Tree initiative to give his wife a day she would never forget.

During the visit, Mary, 81 years old, met the sanctuary’s horses and learned about their care and enjoyed plenty of time up close with the animals she has loved since childhood. 

She even had her own noble steed by her side for the day…her loving husband, Rodney. 

Mary said: “It was lovely, amazing and beautiful to see the horses” 

Mary’s passion for horses began at the age of five. She grew up showjumping and competing in events before owning a tack shop in Hampshire, where she continued to care for horses and stay close to the equestrian world.

Rodney added: “This was a very special day which I’ll remember forever. Mary means the world to me, and to see her smile and glow again really was a wish come true. With her dementia, it’s really hard some days and horses were such a massive part of our lives so to do this today really has brought such emotions to me, but in such a great way. Thank you, Laura, Chelsea and Paul for making my wife smile again.”

The trip was organised as part of 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. From skiing trips to a fish and chip supper, the programme is designed to help residents lead fulfilling lives.

Racquel Merdegia, Home Manager at Bourley Grange, said: “Mary often speaks about her love for horses, so we knew we had to take her back to the paddock. The team wasted no time making Rodney’s wish for his wife come true.

“Seeing Mary reconnect with something that has meant so much to her throughout her life was incredibly moving. It’s moments like this that show just how important it is to support residents in keeping their passions alive.

“We’d like to thank Brookfield Farm Equestrian Centre for helping us make Mary’s dream a reality – it was truly a day to remember!”

Bourley Grange provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home has been designed to deliver the very best standards and boasts luxury facilities including a cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub.