Special trip to bluebell woods makes Guildford care home resident’s wish come true

The thoughtful team at a Guildford care home made a resident’s wish to visit the bluebell woods where he walked with his late wife come true.

When Tony expressed his desire to revisit the Harry Edwards Foundation home, the team at Queen Elizabeth Park Care Home, in Hallowes Close, which provides residential, nursing, respite, specialist dementia and end-of-life care, were determined to make it happen.

Tony was a regular visitor to the bluebell woods at the spiritual healing sanctuary with his late wife Liz who passed away eight years ago.

“It has always been a very special place to me and I was so grateful to be able to go back there,” said Tony.

“We had many a spring walk in the woods, looking at the bluebells as they burst into flower for the year. It’s a beautiful place.

“My wife wanted to be laid to rest here because of how many wonderful memories we shared and I was determined to walk the last part of the journey.”

He was accompanied by his son Keith, daughter-in-law Sarah and grandson Lucas as well as care home manager Heather De-Ninis and lifestyle assistant Keira Patel.

Tony, who now uses a wheelchair for his mobility, walked the final few steps himself to the tree he planted when he laid his wife’s ashes.

“Being able to see the bluebells, right where he planted that tree, was a dream come true for Tony,” said lifestyle coordinator Jackie Avenell.

“It’s moments like this, reliving beautiful memories and creating new ones with family, that remind us why we do what we do.”

Care home manager Heather De-Ninis added: “At Queen Elizabeth Park, we believe in making wishes come true—whether it’s exploring new adventures or rekindling treasured memories.

“We want to support all our resident’s emotional well-being and create opportunities for meaningful experiences.

“The joy this brought to Tony and his family was clear to see and I was truly honoured to be part of this special journey.”