97-year-old care home resident, Mavis Clarke from Coppice Lodge in Arnold, felt like a ‘Queen’ when her wish to ride in a horse drawn carriage was granted.
Nottingham-born Mavis moved into Coppice Lodge in 2022 after deciding she needed some support in her day-to-day life.
Whilst getting to know Mavis, the care staff at Coppice Lodge learnt that she had an affinity with horses. Mavis said, ‘I always wanted a horse as a little girl, I think they’re such beautiful animals.’
When Mavis was asked what her wish for a ‘perfect day’ would be, she expressed the wish to ride in a horse drawn carriage.
Determined to grant her wish, the staff at Coppice Lodge reached out to D K Carriage Horses in Grantham, telling them all about Mavis and her love of horses. They invited Mavis for a classic horse-drawn carriage ride, and to meet some of their horses.
When the big day came, Mavis couldn’t contain her excitement. Accompanied by staff members from Coppice Lodge, Mavis was escorted to Grantham to meet two Dutch warmblood Gelderlander horses, and ride in a wagonette carriage.
She spent time admiring and petting the horses, Theo and Victor, before climbing into her carriage to enjoy a tour around the village of Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir. Sarah Kendle from D K Carriage Horses said,
‘Mavis’ face was a picture, and it was lovely to see her meet and pat the horses. We had a trot though the village in the sunshine and Mavis commented how she enjoyed hearing the sound of the horses’ hooves. It was a real pleasure to help make Mavis’ wish come true – what an amazing lady!’
Mavis was transported through the scenic village, taking in the beautiful countryside in the sunshine. Mavis said,
‘As a young lady, I was always very passionate about horses. I feel so lucky to have been able to ride a horse and trap at my age, I really did feel like the queen! I loved waving at everybody as we passed, and they waved back – it was magical.
‘The sun was shining, and it was a perfect day, I’m so happy. Coppice Lodge really does go above and beyond for all of us, thank you.’
Rachel Squire, the Home Manager at Coppice Lodge, said,
‘We’d like to thank everyone at D K Carriage Horses for helping us to make Mavis’ dream come true. We do all we can to give our residents experiences they will never forget, and to see Mavis’ face light up during her carriage ride was incredible.
‘We can’t wait to see whose wish we’ll be granting next!’
Coppice Lodge, located on Coppice Road in Arnold, is a purpose-built, luxury residential and dementia care home with 64 ensuite bedrooms. With an all-inclusive fee offer designed to give residents peace of mind, it is rated good by the Care Quality Commission.
For more information, call 0115 920 5906, email coppice.lodge@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk.