Right at Home's 'Tin Full of Wishes' campaign makes dreams come true
Celebrating 10 years in business with some unforgettable experiences for our amazing clients!
Published: 23/03/2022
We’re absolutely buzzing at seeing the impact of our Tin Full of Wishes campaign – granting 10 wishes to celebrate our 10 years in business.
We’ve now delivered three amazing experiences to well-deserving Clients:
Former figure skater Alison meets Schofe at the live recording of Dancing on Ice:
Alison experienced a stroke at the age of 46 and receives two care calls a day from her Right at Home CareGivers, who have helped her to remain in her own home, despite Doctors’ warnings that she may lose her independence.
The keen figure skating enthusiast was nominated for her kindness, bravery and love of life, as the care team have witnessed her inspiring resilience to the life-changing physical disabilities caused by her stroke.
She skated in her youth in Edinburgh, before studying to become a primary-school teacher – a job she cherished until her stroke in 2015.
Alison said: “This was amazing – far better than anything I could imagine. Watching all the skaters live and seeing their amazing costumes sparkle under the lights was beautiful and to top it off, Philip Schofield came to speak to us and ask how we were enjoying the show! I felt like royalty for the night."
Kath relived her rock'n'roll years in Liverpool:
Our second recipient Kath also recalled her love for dance; remembering her heyday dancing to the Beatles and travelling the world with her late husband, Les.
Kath went through a really tough time, after losing Les 7 years ago and enduring an extended spell in hospital. But her strong and positive outlook inspired CareGiver Malaynie to nominate her for the Tin Full of Wishes campaign.
“I loved dancing when I was younger – rock and roll especially. I remember watching The Beatles in Stoke, we danced all night.”
Kath, a client of Right at Home South Cheshire, enjoyed a VIP day out in Liverpool, reliving her memories of the Swinging Sixties and of happy holidays.
"Me and Les loved going away together, seeing the world. We were on big fancy cruise ships; I’d go anywhere with Les. I lost him just under seven years ago, but it still feels like yesterday – it never gets any easier. He’d have loved coming here today with me; but I think he’s watching over us."
The Beatles Story donated free tickets for Kath and Malaynie, including audio tour guides, greeted them at the door and looked after them throughout their visit, to ensure they felt like true VIPs for the day. After a couple of hours of singing and admiring costumes and memorabilia, they were hungry and ready for their next treat...
Cruising around the iconic Liverpool waterfront, they embarked on a tour aboard The Floating Grace - a barge that showcases some of the best views of the city.
Right at Home South Cheshire owner Ben Selby, said: “I’m so proud of Kath for the incredible progress she has made in such a short time. This is just one example of some of the amazing stories we get to witness each day and I feel lucky to be able to be a part of a network that is truly making dreams come true.”
David, an avid snow-sports fan, met his idol, Olympic commentator Ed Leigh, as his wish was granted during a surprise visit.
A Client of Right at Home Bishop’s Stortford and Braintree, he received the surprise during a specially adapted skiing session run by instructors from Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK).
David, 49, had not taken part in bi-skiing for over fourteen years, instead remaining a dedicated viewer of Ski-Sunday and watching his hero, Ed Leigh, commentate on snow-sports around the world.
David, who was nominated by his CareGivers, was told that they had arranged for him to attend a bi-skiing session at his local indoor snow centre in Hemel Hempstead, where he would be guided down the slopes using adapted skis designed for people with limited or no use of their legs.
David said: “I love the feeling because for a few seconds it feels like my disability is removed. To be able to do something on the same level as an able-bodied person – that is mind-blowing!”
But after a few trips down the slopes, David was amazed to meet Ed Leigh himself, who took a break from commentating on the Winter Paralympics and flew in from Switzerland to join him for the once-in-a-lifetime session – with Ed even trying a sit-ski for the very first time.
David was delighted to see Ed walk through the door, immediately explaining what a huge fan he is of his work, describing the whole experience as “jaw-dropping”.
“Ed is one of the very few people in mainstream broadcasting who interviews people with disabilities as people," he said. "I’ve loved watching him ever since I saw him interview a girl with autism and I thought ‘wow’. I’d never seen someone with a disability like me, interviewed in that way."
And Ed was just as taken with David. He told Right at Home afterwards: “I have many career highlights, but this experience is unforgettable. When I was asked to do this, there was no way I couldn’t come to meet him – how could anyone pass up the opportunity to make someone’s dream come true? Probably the most inspirational thing about David is that he refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer! We can all learn a lot from David.”
David was nominated by his CareGivers, who wanted to recognise his positive outlook and determination to continue his hobbies of skiing, rock climbing and swimming despite the physical challenges he faces – making him an inspiration to each of them.
He said: “I've no words to describe how happy I am to have shared this with Ed. I love skiing because it makes me feel free. Going down a slope, my body isn’t getting in the way of me doing what I want to do. The whole experience made me feel like me, just me without a disability, so I would like to thank everyone who made my wish come true.”
Liza Bolden, Registered Manager at Right at Home Bishop’s Stortford and Braintree, said: “All of us at Right at Home are proud to be part of such a rewarding campaign. We’re grateful to everyone who came together to help make David’s wish come true, from our National Office Right at Home UK, who organised the surprise, the CareGivers who nominated him, and of course Ed Leigh, Disability Snowsport UK and the Snow Centre.
“We’re even prouder to be a part of David’s journey. Every CareGiver who works with him is inspired by his ambition to achieve each and every one of his dreams. David does absolutely everything he puts his mind to, and he has taught me that there is nothing we can’t do if we just believe we can. We are so proud of him for always wanting to do more and we are delighted to have played a part in making his dream come true.”
We will be granting seven more wishes to deserving Right at Home clients over coming months - follow us on social to share their stories and their dreams come true!
