A Christmas wish comes true!

An 89 year-old resident from Scotland has fulfilled his lifelong wish to visit London’s famous landmarks.

Willie McIntosh, who lives at our Birch House Care Home in Aberdeenshire, boarded a flight for the very first time to embark on the special trip. Upon boarding the plane, Willie was greeted with a signed ticket from the pilot and crew along with a glass of champagne to toast his adventure.

Willie, who was accompanied by care assistant Bunga Gurden, always hoped to one day visit the Royal family, had his dream realised with a trip to Windsor Castle. Willie’s royal experience was complete after brushing shoulders with the monarchy at Madame Tussauds, where he posed for pictures alongside waxwork figures of King Charles, The Queen Consort, Prince William, and Princess Catherine.

The care home resident’s life-long wish list was topped off with a trip to Tower Bridge. Willie also enjoyed a taste of luxury during a world-renowned afternoon tea experience at The Ritz and stylish dinner at The Shard, overlooking the city’s iconic skyline.

Willie, who has lived at Birch House Care Home for two years, requires full assistance with his care needs. When he moved into the home, his family told the care home staff of Willie’s dream to travel in an aeroplane, and of his fondness for the royal family, particularly the late Queen, which prompted planning for his trip to London. 

Patricia Hutchinson, care home manager at Sanctuary Care’s Birch House Care Home, commented: “To have helped make Willie’s wish to fly in an aeroplane come true is just incredible. With only eight residents, our home really does feel like an extended family and just like any family, our team do everything we can to make our residents smile. 

“Organising special experiences, like this, helps to create a sense of purpose and achievement for our residents that we know is so important for an enriched life.” 

Bunga Gurden, the care assistant who accompanied Willie on his trip of a lifetime was recently named Carer of the Year at the National Care Awards, which recognise ‘the vital role of the care assistant in providing quality care’.

For more about life with Sanctuary Care, our Enquiry Support Team is here to talk on 0800 331 7422.