NEWLY WED COUPLE DONATE 50 % OF THEIR WEDDING GIFT MONEY TO HELP CHILDREN WITH CLEFTS
ACTIVITIES , FRESH AIR AND EXERCISE EVERY DAY IN WIRRAL CARE HOME
IN BRIEF
NEWLY WED COUPLE DONATE 50 % OF THEIR WEDDING GIFT MONEY TO HELP CHILDREN WITH CLEFTS
ACTIVITIES , FRESH AIR AND EXERCISE EVERY DAY IN WIRRAL CARE HOME
Norma , who is 92 , looks forward to her thrice weekly exercise sessions , along with more than 60 other people living at Charlotte House Care Home in Bebington .
John Grieves , a 54 year old chemical engineer , and Kim Grieves , a 56 year old nurse , tied the knot at the Registry Office in Birkenhead – but their wedding was no ordinary bash .
Instead of a traditional black and white wedding , the couple , who live in New Brighton , decided to ask all of their guests to arrive in fancy dress . They also donated half of their cash wedding gifts to Smile Train – the global children ’ s charity which provides free surgery and care for children suffering with cleft lip and palate in developing countries .
John said : “ When we decided to get married , we wanted to make it a great bash - so we opted for a fancy dress wedding . As we are both social ‘ Jivers ’, we decided to make the theme , ‘ Dance scenes through the ages ’, and went as Fred and Ginger .
Everybody really got into the spirit – all turning up in fancy dress . We had people from all around the world who came – Australia , Dubai , Italy , Sweden as well as all parts of the UK . It truly was the wedding of a lifetime !
Many of our 200 + guests already knew of Smile Train , and some were already donors , so it made sense to donate to the charity . Kim has been a District Nurse for almost 40 years , so has seen many examples of how charities like Smile Train can make a remarkable difference to someone ’ s life .”
Following their big day , the couple donated £ 1,200 to Smile Train – which is enough money to change the lives of eight children by covering the cost of their cleft repair surgery , and giving them the power of a smile !
They are taking part in a programme of recreational activities and exercise classes designed to improve their wellbeing , but first and foremost to be an enjoyable sociable event .
Ruth Roberts , activities organiser at Charlotte House said : “ Chair exercise to music is popular with the residents . Norma recently suffered a stroke but as part of her recovery , takes part in regular chair-based exercises every week . Exercising has really helped Norma as she is now able to move her hands , feed herself and is beginning to speak again .”
Charlotte House is operated by Brighter Kind , which in each of its 70 homes runs a varied programme of activities and exercise sessions . Ruth said : “ The activities bring about measurable improvements to residents ’ physical health and mobility and provide mental stimulation and social interaction . The exercise classes are specifically designed to be inclusive for residents of all levels of ability , using sensory props , familiar music and reminiscence-themed choreography .”
In an inspection report by the Care Quality Commission , the inspectors remarked that the activities coordinators were enthusiastic about their role and told us they provided as much person centred , one to one care as they could when people were not able to access the group activities .
The inspectors talked with people about activities and were told by them that there were a lot of group activities taking place . Comments included “ There is a lot to do if I want to join in ” and another comment was , “ I love to go out ”. People were able to have visitors when they wanted and told us , “ We get a lot of visitors here ; they love coming ”.
For more information , about Charlotte House Care Home or to arrange a visit , please call the Home Manager on 0151 515 6889 .
12 wirrallife . com