One of our care home residents was granted a ‘magic moment’ after being reunited with her best friends of 33 years, following a long four-year stint of not being able to see each other.

Ann, an 84-year-old widow and resident of a Premium Care Group Care Home in Epping, was surprised with a secret getaway from Essex to Norwich to see her friends of more than three decades.

Ann, Mick and Sheila, all in their 80s, met as neighbours but quickly became friends. The group hadn’t seen each other since Christmas 2019 and had planned to meet up for Mick and Sheila’s 60th wedding anniversary in 2020.

Due to COVID-19 lockdowns and Mick and Sheila moving to Norwich, the group had been unable to enjoy each other’s company. The care team decided to surprise Ann and take her to see Sheila and Mick in Norwich.

When reunited, the trio spent their time looking at old photographs and reminiscing about the time they’d spent together over the last three decades.

After years of weekly catch-ups over the phone and finally seeing her best friends, Ann said: “I have had the most wonderful day, and honestly feel like I have a new lease of life!”

Danielle Barham, care home manager at Weald Hall Care Home said:

“It’s always a pleasure to go the extra mile for our residents, especially those who have been through a lot and are missing their old friends. It’s part of what our lifestyle team is focussed on, enriching our resident’s lives with events and activities that they love. We’re honoured to have been able to bring a smile to Ann’s face and hope she can continue to make many more happy memories with us.”