Frances Gilkes, a pensioner residing at Care UK’s Seccombe Court in Banbury, Oxfordshire, recently saw her lifelong dream come true during the Christmas season. Thanks to the introduction of a ‘Wishing Tree’ initiative at the care home, the 94-year-old was able to take to the skies and experience her very first flying lesson.

The Wishing Tree, implemented by Care UK, a prominent provider of residential care services nationwide, allows residents like Ms. Gilkes to express their desires, whether it be trying out new hobbies or visiting specific places.

Describing her experience, Ms. Gilkes exclaimed, “I loved every second of it. It was brilliant to take control of the plane and soar over familiar landscapes, reminiscing about places I’ve visited. The views were simply spectacular on that clear day.”

After expressing her lifelong wish to fly a plane, the staff at Seccombe Court diligently arranged a flying lesson for her at Enstone Airfield in Enstone, Oxfordshire. Although she had traveled on planes for holidays previously, this marked her first time aboard a small propeller aircraft. Following some ground training, Ms. Gilkes took to the skies for a memorable lunchtime flight.

Wojciech Kuczkowski, the general manager at Seccombe Court, expressed the team’s commitment to making residents’ dreams a reality, stating, “When Frances shared her desire to fly a plane, we were determined to fulfill her dream. Our Wishing Tree initiative provides an avenue for residents to articulate their aspirations, and it’s immensely gratifying to facilitate their realization. Witnessing the joy on Frances’s face upon landing was truly heartwarming. We eagerly anticipate fulfilling more wishes in the future – the possibilities are endless.”

With over 40 years of experience in elderly care, Care UK operates more than 150 homes across the UK, offering a range of services including residential, dementia, and nursing care.