A trip to Dover Cliffs
We had a special request from our resident Ann here at Loose Valley Care Home so we sprung into action to make this wish come true.
Ann wanted to go to Dover Cliffs – a cliff-top park overlooking the Harbour arm of Dover Docks. With her husband Colin, Dover has always held a special place in her heart; it’s a place they have visited a lot over the years, and they always loved the walking and fresh air of the National Trust area of outstanding beauty.
They enjoyed many-a-trip on the P&O Ferry with their Campervan, from Dover across to France, for holidays and travel into Belgium. They especially loved to get away and spend time up on the White cliffs of Dover, including visiting the café for coffee and cake while sitting and watching the ferries arriving into port.
Ann is receiving End of Life Care at Loose Valley and her special wish to return to Dover Cliffs was arranged by our Home Manager, Diana. Diana organised for our Mini Bus Driver, George, to take Ann and our Recreation and Well-Being Champion Paula on the journey to Dover.
Ann’s husband Colin, son Drew and his wife Mayet and their daughter Chloe accompanied Anna and Paula on the Mini Bus and they all set off for Dover on Sunday 9 July at 10.15am. Ann’s daughters Caroline and Alison, along with their husbands and family, met them there, with the dog Maggie.
Once everyone arrived, Paula pushed Ann’s wheelchair so she could spend time overlooking the harbour. With a beautiful, peaceful view of the harbour, with all the ships arriving and disembarking the port, Ann welled up with tears. Her family gathered around her saying, “You’ve made it Mum.”
Ann and her family went up to the café for coffee and cake and sat on the open veranda overlooking the harbour. Ann and her husband were naming all the ferries and a cruise ship that was moored in port – it was the Carnival Line vessel.
At the end of the trip, Ann and her family all posed for photos with the harbour in the background. Ann thanked everyone for fulfilling her wish and for making her day so special.
Ann’s family were very grateful that the Loose Valley team were able to organise this wonderful trip for Ann and there were lots of hugs and tears all around.
