Dad, 99, able to give daughter away after Chingford care home recreates wedding

A care home in Chingford hosted a wedding blessing for the daughter and son-in-law of resident Henry Clayton, so that the 99-year-old did not miss out on celebrating the couple’s union.

Fiona Butler-Clayton and Richard Butler tied the knot in the Cotswolds, but Henry was unable to travel the long distance to be with them due to his health.

Henry is a resident at The Spinney, an award-winning care home that offers residential, dementia and end of life care. On hearing of the couple’s dilemma, the team at The Spinney offered to host a wedding blessing to take place following the couple’s June wedding.

The blessing (July 5), performed by the minister from Chingford United Reform Church, was attended by members of Fiona and Richard’s family, including their flower girl and page boy – Henry’s great-grandchildren Phoebe and Teddy –  members of The Spinney team, and some of Henry’s friends and fellow residents.

Henry, who moved into The Spinney in March 2021, said: “I am completely overwhelmed that everyone has made all of this effort so that I could give my beautiful daughter Fiona away to her groom.

“The team at The Spinney did a wonderful job and I can’t thank them enough. It really has made my year!”

Fiona wore her wedding dress and was escorted down the aisle by her father. She said: “It means the world to me to be able to include my dad in our wedding celebrations.

“Dad was a big part of the planning of the blessing, visiting the minister with me and discussing the plans. I’m so pleased he could get involved, I know it made him feel special and included.

“The team at The Spinney went above and beyond for us, decorating the home and providing a prosecco reception following the blessing.

“It was a magical afternoon and we created memories that my family and I will treasure forever!”

A singer, organised by the care home, sang ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ by Elvis Presley as Henry gave his daughter away, and Natalie Cole’s ‘This Will Be’ as the happy couple walked up the aisle.

As a special surprise for Henry, his granddaughter, Hannah Swain-Evans, sang ‘The Rose’ by Bette Midler during the reception.

The Spinney offers residential, dementia and end of life care.  It is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and won a Great British Care Award in 2023 for ‘Dignity in Care’.

Lisa Wright, home manager at The Spinney, added: “It was a privilege to host Fiona and Richard’s wedding blessing, and make it possible for Henry to take such a big part in the couple’s wedding nuptials.

“It was a very emotional day and Henry looked so handsome in his suit. He is a total gentleman and a much-loved resident here at The Spinney.

“Our team take the time to understand each individual resident and what’s important to them in their lives. Being able to give his daughter away was important to Henry and the new memories he’s made are so special.”