A Harrogate care home resident has experienced a magical day out as her dream of seeing Mary Poppins live on stage was finally fulfilled.
83-year-old Dee Brook, a resident at Care UK’s Harcourt Gardens, has held a lifelong passion for theatre.
Having expressed her desire to see Mary Poppins live, the care home team set straight to work making her wish come true by organising a trip to the theatre.
They contacted Alhambra Theatre in Bradford and managed to secure a special backstage pass.
Dee even had the chance to meet the actress playing Mary Poppins, who gifted her a cuddly toy of the character.
Reflecting on her day, Dee said:
“It was just incredible and I’m so thankful to have met the actress playing Mary Poppins.
“The show was absolutely stunning, the dancers and children were remarkable.
“They must have been exhausted; it’s incredible how they do it all!”
The experience was part of Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put forward their dreams, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new.
From flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.
Jillian Pollard, Home Manager at Harcourt Gardens, said:
“It was such a pleasure to see Dee in her natural habitat at the theatre after all these years, knowing she had wanted to see Mary Poppins for such a long time.
“The Wishing Tree is a beautiful way for us to help residents tick off bucket-list goals and share their passions. Dee came back to us smiling ear to ear, and it reignited her love for all things musical.
“I’d like to extend a huge thanks to the team at Alhambra Theatre for making Dee’s day so special and helping us bring her dream to life.”
Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Harcourt Gardens incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities.
The home has its own cinema, pub and hair and beauty salon, and provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care.
For more information, contact Customer Relations Manager Jillian Shearer on 01423 205 870, email Jillian.Shearer@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/harcourt-gardens.
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
