Creating moments of joy and fulfilment for our residents is something we strive for every day, and last week, we witnessed an incredible experience for one of our residents at Churchfields Care Home.
Our beloved resident, Winn Wardle, celebrated her 101st birthday on the 4th of November, 2024. But the celebrations didn’t stop there. Winn has always been fascinated by animals, especially giraffes, and often marvelled at them while watching her favourite nature programs. For her birthday and Christmas wish, Winn dreamed of seeing and feeding these majestic creatures up close.
A Day to Remember at Cotswold Wildlife Park
Thanks to the incredible team at Cotswold Wildlife Park, that dream became a reality last week. The park arranged a special visit for Winn, allowing her to meet Century, an 18-year-old giraffe with an equally impressive life story.
Giraffes typically live to around 20 years, making this heartfelt meeting between Winn and Century (a pair of long-lived icons) all the more unique and poignant. Their shared moment celebrated a lifetime of resilience, leaving everyone present deeply moved by their connection.
Our Care Home Manager Sharon, said:
“Winn was delighted when she had the rare opportunity to feed Century and even connect with some of the other animals. Her smile and laughter lit up the day and the connection between her and Century the giraffe was truly heartwarming.
We’re deeply grateful to the Cotswold Wildlife Park for helping us make Winn’s dream a reality.”
Capturing the Joy
Professional photographer Paul Nicholls kindly offered his services free of charge to capture this unforgettable day, making sure Winn’s magical moment was saved forever.
The moment was so remarkable that it quickly caught the media’s attention. Winn’s special day was featured in The Times, Daily Star and Western Daily Press, sharing her story of happiness with the nation.
A Day to Inspire Us All
Winn’s happiness during her birthday outing touched everyone who witnessed it and reminded us why we love what we do.
Winn’s story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue dreams and make new memories. She has inspired us all to live life with curiosity and joy, no matter our age.
