Recently at our Fairways care homes in North Wales, our lifestyle and activities coordinator had the privilege of turning resident’s wishes into a beautiful reality.
Here are some of the incredible wishes we have been honoured to grant recently:
Cledwyn’s Story: A Life of Service
Cledwyn, a much-loved resident at Ceris Newydd, spent many dedicated years on the front lines of the emergency services, working in ambulance control. Over his long career, he was far more than a voice of calm reassurance on the radio. He was a passionate mentor who trained and shaped generations of incoming staff.
So when Cledwyn shared a heartfelt wish to reconnect with his former colleagues, our activities team immediately set to work planning a surprise reunion.
The Surprise Reunion
The home was filled with joy and emotion as the colleagues arrived to surprise Cledwyn. These were not just any former workmates. They were the very people Cledwyn had trained and mentored decades ago.
The group spent a wonderful afternoon reminiscing about their shared times on duty, swapping stories, and celebrating the enduring bonds formed through public service.
To make the day even more unforgettable, his former teammates presented Cledwyn with a beautiful model ambulance and an official engraved “Thank You for Your Service” coin. It was a profoundly moving moment that brought immense pride and comfort, not just to Cledwyn, but to everyone in the room.
Glenys’s Wish: The Nostalgic Aroma of Freshly Baked Bread
Our lovely resident Glenys at Ceris Newydd had a very special request. During a chat with our lifestyle and activities team, Glenys shared how much she missed the sensory experience of baking. She used to bake her own bread all the time but hadn’t been able to do so for years, and she deeply missed the comforting smell of fresh bread cooking in the oven. She told us her ultimate wish was simply to enjoy a warm slice of freshly baked bread with her favourite butter.
Our team were absolutely determined to make this happen. We tracked down and borrowed a breadmaker and gathered all the necessary ingredients to set up a bespoke baking station right in the home. Glenys was absolutely thrilled to get involved in the baking process again, watching her wish come true step by step. She loved every single minute of the experience – especially the final part, where she got to sit back and enjoy the delicious, warm finished product.
Kathleen’s Wonderfully Specific Wish: Go On A Train Again
Kathleen told us that one thing she would love was to go on a train again , so she could feel the rhythm of the rails once again after many years off the tracks.
The lifestyle team at Eryl Fryn Care Home in Llandudno was thrilled to make it happen, a train ticket to Betws-y-Coed is where it all began, boarding the scenic Conwy Valley line alongside Kathleen and a fellow resident for a day of pure nostalgia. As the Welsh countryside rolled past the windows, the journey offered far more than just a change of scenery; it sparked laughter, shared stories, and a wonderful sense of freedom. The group explored the charming village shops before settling down for sweet treats and milkshakes in the sunshine.
At Fairways Care, we believe person-centred care means honouring who someone is, not just supporting their current needs.
Our Growing Wishlist
The ‘Make a Wish’ campaign is an ongoing commitment to enhancing the elderly wellbeing and quality of life for everyone in our care. Whether it is a trip down memory lane, a long-lost hobby revisited, or an extraordinary reunion, our team will keep doing everything we can to bring these smiles to our residents’ faces.
We look forward to sharing many more magical ‘Make a Wish’ stories with you as the year continues.
Testimonials
“Since my mother has resided at Ceris Newydd her health has improved due to the good care given to her. She is very happy there and has thanked me numerous times for getting a room there for her as the food is good, she enjoys the activities and the staff are so happy and treat her with dignity and respect. She often says that they are like an extended family which I also feel is the way I am treated on my visits. I would recommend Ceris Newydd to all families.”
Heather T
Daughter of Resident/Service User
Come and Experience Life at Fairways
If you are exploring care options in North Wales area, we would love to show you around. Come and meet the team who make wishes like Cledwyn's come true.
