The UK lockdown meant that residents at Sunrise of Purley were unable to see their loved ones in person until now.
As soon as it was completely safe to do so, the team at the home organised a ‘Walk and Wave’ event so families could see each other once again, at a safe social distance.
Families were overjoyed to be reunited with the residents; one resident was able to meet her great-grandchild for the first time. Local events company, Red Chilli Events, ensured there was plenty of decorations including balloon displays to mark the special occasion.
Jon Burchell attended the ‘Walk and Wave’ to see both his parents who are residents at the home. Jon said:
“Thanks so much to the team for laying on the ‘Walk and Wave’. It was lovely to see mum and dad after so long.
“I was really impressed by the effort you had all put into it and I hope all the residents were equally as happy to see their families as we were to see them.”
Phillip Mills also attended the event to see his mother Ann. He added:
“Lovely to see the team and well done for organising such a brilliant event for families to have some precious moments of normality and sanity.
“I’m sure that took a lot of logistical gymnastics. It was all delivered with such a lovely spirit of graciousness and kindness. Thank you so much. It was hugely appreciated.”
Rebecca Peters, Director of Community Relations at Sunrise of Purley, said:
“This was such a wonderful event for us all. The weather did not dampen anyone’s spirits and residents and their families were so happy to see each other for the first time in so long.
“We will continue finding ingenious solutions so we can allow residents to see their families while ensuring they are all safe. We can’t wait until the day we can have visitors come back into the home properly!”
