A CARE home resident in Bromsgrove has shared her delight after fulfilling a lifelong dream to ski for the first time.
When the team at Care UK’s Chandler Court, on Recreation Road, learned that 80-year-old resident, Margaret Syms, had never skied before and was keen to take to the slopes, they were determined to make it happen.
Keen to make Margaret’s dream come true, the team reached out to Disability Snowsport UK at Tamworth Snowdome to arrange an unforgettable morning.
Rebecca Pearce, customer relations manager at Chandler Court, took to the slopes with Margaret and the pair even experienced the slalom. Warming up after the session, everyone enjoyed a cup of tea and sandwich.
Margaret who said, “it’s never too late to try something new”, has always enjoyed sport, with a particular love for cricket, horse riding and swimming, but had never had the opportunity to ski.
Ahead of the day Margaret expressed her excitement, saying she felt no nerves at all.
She added: ” Skiing is something I’ve always wanted to do as it looks exhilarating, but my husband was never interested in giving it a go as he doesn’t like the cold.”
Margaret, who was born in Western-super-Mare in August 1944, grew up with her younger brother, mother and father. S he met her husband, Basil Syms, in 1964 at a family gathering when Basil was home from the army.
The happy couple married two years later in 1966.
They’ve now been married for 58 years and have two children, four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Before having children, Margaret enjoyed her job working as a registered nurse in Western-super-Mare hospital.
Commenting on the experience, Margaret said: “I had the most amazing time, and I will remember this day forever – I didn’t want to come off the slopes. Skiing was like nothing I’ve ever done before.
The special outing was part of the home’s Wishing Tree Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new.
Lilly Dahms, home manager at Chandler Court, said: “It was fantastic to see her finally fulfil her lifelong wish to take to the slopes.
“Her enthusiasm and bravery are truly inspirational, and she has certainly proven that it is never too late to try something new.
“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team at Disability Snowsport UK at Tamworth Snowdome and the team here at Chandler Court, for making Margaret’s dream come true.”
