HC-One’s Stoneyford care home in Sutton-in-Ashfield has helped reunite old friends and fellow police veterans after they lost touch 18 years ago.
Derek Corban and Andy Yates became friends in the early 1980s when they worked together as traffic police covering Nottinghamshire.
After working so closely, the pair became good friends but unfortunately lost touch in 2001 when Derek was promoted to a Sargeant covering the Mansfield region.
Since moving into Stoneyford care home for respite care earlier this year, Derek reminisced about his old friendship with Andy to staff at the home.
Stoneyford’s Deputy Manager, Andi Dobbs, decided to use the power of social media to track Andy down and, to Derek’s delight, the search proved successful in reuniting the friends.
Andi arranged the reunion as a surprise for Derek, who thoroughly enjoyed seeing his old friend again and has since set up a twice weekly coffee afternoon to reminisce about their careers in the traffic police.
Keeley Morris, Home Manager at Stoneyford, was overwhelmed by the kind care and dedication shown by Andi and nominated him for a Kindness in Care Award; an initiative introduced by HC-One to celebrate those who go the extra mile for others.
Keeley said: “At HC-One, kindness is at the heart of everything we do so I was delighted to be able to recognise Andi’s commitment to this with a Kindness in Care Award. It was amazing to see Derek reunited with his old friend, which really does highlight the power of social media.”
Derek said: “The consideration taken into thinking about me is overwhelming. I can’t thank Andi enough, he made my stay amazing and finding my friend is just the icing on the cake.”
Andi added: “I was delighted to help reunite two old friends, who may never have reconnected otherwise. Seeing the smile on Derek and Andi’s faces was the perfect reward.”