Residents of Eothen Homes care home in Wallsend were treated to a live performance by a Tom Jones tribute act on Monday 21st July, granting the wish of 81-year-old resident Mary Lowes. The wish was granted by the North East charity Wish Upon a Tyne, which specialises in granting wishes for the elderly.
Charity's Origins and Mission
Wish Upon a Tyne was started by Cheryl Davison from Throckley, who previously worked in recruitment for residential nursing homes. With first-hand knowledge, she understood both how important activities and events are to those in care homes and how difficult it can be for care homes to provide this due to lack of funding.
She began volunteering, spending time in local care homes with her dogs, Chico the chocolate Labrador and Oddie the spaniel. She granted her first wish in January 2021 before becoming an official charity in March that year.
The charity makes small wishes come true that make a big difference, specialising in older members of the community. Wishes have included trips to the cinema and arranging tribute acts.
Mary's Special Day
Mary, who loves Tom Jones and is no longer able to get out and about, had her wish arranged by the care home with a Tom Jones tribute act. She was joined by her niece Louise Perry and great-niece Victoria Perry.
Mary said: "It was magic." Louise said: "She's had the most amazing afternoon with her friends here at Eothen Homes with Tom singing for her. We've all danced and we've sang and it's really been a joyful afternoon."
The care home was filled with renditions of Sexbomb, What's New Pussy Cat and Mary's favourite Delilah, which had everyone singing along. Louise added: "All the residents have had the best time and Eothen Homes really worked with the charity to make a fabulous afternoon for everyone."
Impact and Future Wishes
Christine Henderson, Eothen Care Homes Home Manager, said: "They absolutely loved it. Mary had a blast." Eothen Care Home also specialises in care for residents with dementia, and Christine has seen the impact music can have.
She said: "Music is a real therapy for those with dementia, it sparks memories." For Christine, the joy residents experience when granted these wishes is 'fantastic to see' and 'means so much', which is why she continues to trust Cheryl and the charity with these memory-making moments.
For Louise and her family, the charity has given more than a wish but long-lasting memories they can enjoy with their aunt Mary. She said: "The charity has done an amazing thing today. We're so grateful for Wish Upon a Tyne for granting this wish for my auntie Mary."
The next wish the charity hopes to grant is for a resident to visit a local dairy farm as they love cows. Readers who know someone to nominate can contact the charity through its website.
