Cambridge care home resident reunited with beloved bicycle

A Cambridge care home resident was left overcome with emotion when a much-loved piece of his past made an unexpected return.

Clifford Craske, 96 years old and a resident at Care UK’s Heathlands House, on Bullen Close, was left overcome with emotion when he was reunited with his beloved Claude Butler bicycle after his daughter Alice arranged for the treasured bike to be lovingly restored.

Clifford was an accomplished cyclist for much of his life and was a passionate member of the Cambridge Town and County Cycling Club, now known as Cambridge Cycling Club. His love for cycling played a special role in his life, even leading to a chance meeting with his future wife, Pamela, outside St Andrew’s Church in Chesterton in 1947. The pair, both keen young cyclists, went on to enjoy a 73-year marriage.

During his years of competitive cycling, Clifford became a sprint cycling champion and twice won the prestigious Lime Kiln Hill climb in Cambridgeshire. He would regularly cycle long distances to participate in races, including from Cambridge to Coventry and Herne Hill, sometimes travelling there and back in one day.

His Claude Butler bicycle was a particular source of pride, and before races Clifford would strip it of anything he considered to be unnecessary weight before rebuilding it for the journey home.

After moving into the home, Clifford’s original bicycle remained safely stored in his family’s garage, with his daughter carefully preserving its original saddle. Knowing just how much the bicycle meant to her father, Alice arranged for it to be beautifully restored so it could be reunited with Clifford once again.

During a special celebration at the home, Clifford was presented with the bicycle, joined by Oliver Fredrick and Kelly Wang from Cambridge University Cycling Club, which was founded in 1874 and continues to this day.

Members of Clifford’s former cycling club also joined the celebration to share memories and chat about their shared passion for two wheels. Alice and her partner Andre, who also cycled for the club, were there to see Clifford’s reaction to his special surprise.

The bike was specially prepared for display, with the wheels left off so that Clifford could proudly display it in his room. The day’s celebrations continued over afternoon tea, with the group spending hours swapping stories and reminiscing.

Reflecting on his day, Clifford said: “It was so unbelievable to see my Claude Butler bicycle again and to speak to the lovely people who came to see me. It brought back lovely memories.”

Razvan Stanbeca, Home Manager at Heathlands House, said: “Seeing Clifford reunited with his bicycle was such a touching moment, and it was clear to see how much it meant to him. Clifford’s face said it all – and there were certainly a few emotional moments. There was barely a dry eye in the house!

“It was wonderful to bring people together from all different parts of Clifford’s cycling journey, and to give him the chance to share his experiences with fellow cyclists. It was a truly special afternoon and we’re delighted that Clifford now has his treasured bicycle back where it belongs – proudly on display in his room.”

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 fulfilling 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.