A Luton care home resident has realised their ambition of a lifetime after taking their first flight in an aeroplane in a trip to Majorca at the age of 62. Alan Parrott, who lives at HC-One’s Capwell Grange Care Home in Luton, Bedfordshire, made the return trip to Majorca last week for the very first time in his life.
Mr Parrott described his experience as “really nice”. The care home resident had not spoken about his desire to visit Spain but, after talking about his wish to go abroad and revealing he had never flown before, colleagues at Capwell Grange helped arrange a four-day trip.
During his short holiday in Majorca, Mr Parrott relaxed by enjoying the local area and showing off his swimming skills to care home colleagues, who had accompanied him to the popular Balearic Island.
Alan Parrott, resident at Capwell Grange, said:
“I had a great time in Majorca. I went swimming, went for a walk to the shops and to the beach, and even went for drink in a lovely bar where we watched the football.
“My favourite thing was swimming, as I hadn’t been able to go for many years, but this trip meant I could, and it was great. The holiday was relaxing with no stresses; it was really nice.
“Plus, it was my first experience on an aeroplane, and I’ve never been abroad before. I previously never had anyone to take me, so this was an amazing experience. I already miss it!”
Mr Parrott was born and raised in Luton, and he has lived in the town all his life, where he worked as a labourer. He enjoyed a day trip to Brighton last year – also with care home colleagues – and that experience gave him the idea to have the courage to fly abroad.
Ellen Brown, Wellbeing Coordinator at Capwell Grange and who accompanied Mr Parrott on his trip, said:
“Having made sure all the right things were in place, we decided to support Alan realise his dream of flying for the first time, and we were proud to support him to make this happen. Alan really enjoyed getting out and about, visiting local shops and the old town area of Alcudia.
“But what he really enjoyed was the hotel breakfast buffet - and he keeps asking when we’ll get one here! It was really rewarding being able to fulfil Alan’s wish to go abroad and fly on an aeroplane.
“He’s been with us for just over two years, and he is a lovely resident, so it was very pleasing to make his wish come true. It’s what doing this job is all about.”
Nicola Berry, Home Manager at Capwell Grange, said:
“It was fantastic to support Alan to enjoy his holiday, and it’s been amazing for his wellbeing. This just shows that even if you’re a resident in a care home you can get out and enjoy a holiday, even one as far away as Majorca!”