80-year-old fishing fanatic’s wish granted by care home workers

80-year-old fishing fanatic, Edward Millington, got a big surprise when Hambleton Grange care home staff told him they had arranged his first fishing trip since before the pandemic.

Edward moved into residential and dementia care home, Hambleton Grange, located on Station Road in Thirsk, in June 2021. He expressed his love of fishing to the care team, telling them tales of when his father taught him to fish from a young age and they were determined to make Edward’s dream of another fishing trip come true.

After securing a Worthy Cause fishing licence, provided by the Environments Agency, and a spot to cast a line at Woodland Lakes in Thirsk, all the team needed was some fishing equipment.

Elaine Snowden, the Lifestyle Manager at Hambleton Grange, turned to their local community for help, asking if anyone would donate their old fishing rods to the care home residents.

The request received over 2.5k hits on Facebook, with an overwhelming amount of people offering to help. The care home was given enough fishing equipment to invite a number of other interested residents on the fishing trip. Elaine said:

‘A big thank you to all those who responded to our request for fishing equipment, we’re so grateful for your help to make Ed’s dream come true. Everyone had a great time on the fishing trip.’

When he returned from the outing, Ed said:

‘I have really enjoyed going fishing today, it’s been lovely and I would love to go again. Thank you so much to everyone who organised the trip.’

Hambleton Grange care home, on Station Road in Thirsk, is a purpose-built luxury care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. Close to local services and amenities, it is rated good by the Care Quality Commission.

For more information, call 01845 523 837, email hambleton.grange@idealcarehomes.co.uk