Staff at a charity-run care centre in Essex asked their residents to hang a handwritten note asking for something that they would really love to receive on a ‘Wish Tree’. Much to all the residents’ absolute delight, the first wish has been granted!
Diane Groom, 72, is the first resident to have her wish come true. The wish she placed on the tree was, “I would love to have a cat to love and care for.” She was over the moon when hers was the first wish to be granted and ‘Dave’ a tiny little tabby kitten arrived to live permanently at the Care Centre.
Lindsey Milliken, Deputy Manager, Edensor Care Centre, said, “When I suggested that we create a ‘Wish Tree’ at Edensor I had no idea quite the impact it would have. Our new kitten Dave has made a huge difference to the atmosphere in the Care Centre and seeing the residents faces light up when he is about is magical, and he is bringing immense joy and happiness to residents and staff. And we are absolutely delighted that Clacton Pet Store has donated some toys and food for our new housemate.
“The staff also added a wish to the tree inspired by one of our residents, a young man, Simon Keyes, 34, who was with us for end-of-life care. On the day before he died, I was taking him along the seafront, when he told me that he would love to go on the beach to feel the sand and be taken to the water’s edge to put his feet in the sea. Not being able to do this for him was heartbreaking and I knew that we needed to fundraise for a couple of beach wheelchairs to ensure that in future we would be able to take our residents on to the sand.”
Other wishes on the tree include:
- to go and see West Ham play and tour the stadium
- to have a round of golf
- to go ten pin bowling
- to walk in the rain
The Charity run Care Centre hopes to make all the wishes happen by the end of the year and is hopeful that the local community will step in to help them achieve this. If you could help to make a wish come true, please get in touch with the Edensor team.
