Holt care home resident’s motorbike wish a triumph

A resident at a care home in Holt has taken a ride down memory lane, with a fleet of motorbikes driving up to the home’s door.

Care UK’s Heath Lodge, on Nightjar Road, was treated to the roar and excitement of a motorbike visit after the team learned about 87-year-old Valerie Harvey’s wish to reconnect with her former hobby. 

Valerie purchased her first motorbike in 1957, a Norton 16H. It was an ex-second world war dispatch bike, dating from approximately 1942, which had later been converted for civilian use. 

Despite the expensive cost at the time, Valerie was determined to make it her own, diligently saving and making weekly payments until she had paid for it in full.

With the Heath Lodge team keen for Valerie to rediscover this thrill, they organised a convoy of eight motorbikes, including the very same Norton model Valerie owned, to pull up to the home, driven by riders from Vintage Motor Cycle Club, Norton Owners Club and BSA Bantam Club.

Valerie was able to not only meet and chat with the bikers but also ride sidecar in one of the motorbikes, experiencing once again the freeing feeling she so fondly remembered in an emotional moment for all.

Valerie said: “I absolutely loved being next to a bike again, it was wonderful!”

The visit formed part of Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which enables residents to put forward their desire to revisit old hobbies or try something completely new. Whether it’s a fish and chip supper, a skydive or watching a football match, no wish is too big or too small for the team to try to grant.

Hazel Madden, Home Manager at Heath Lodge, said: “We had a wonderful afternoon sharing in Valerie’s passion and learning more about her love of motorbikes. 

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to divulge their ambitions, and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Valerie speaks of her motorbike riding days often, so it was an incredibly special moment to see her face light up when she saw the clubs arrive.

“Reminiscence and helping to keep memories alive are so important in later life. We’d like to say a big thank you to the riders from Vintage Motor Cycle Club, Norton Owners Club and BSA Bantam Club for helping us make Valerie’s wish come true.”

Heath Lodge is a state-of-the-art care home that provides residential and dementia care on a permanent and respite basis. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, it offers its own café, cinema room and hair and beauty salon, as well as plenty of space for relaxation and recreation.