Care home crew visit 'meant so much' to ex-firefighter

A care home resident and former firefighter has said it "meant so much" to be reunited with the crew he worked with for 30 years.

David Hedger, 79, now lives at Care UK's Bickerton House in Bracknell and was a member of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service's white watch.

The special visit was part of the care home's Wishing Tree scheme, which tries to reconnect residents with a past career or try something completely new.

David said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw so many old faces turn up just to see me, I really miss those days."

As part of the initiative, the care home organised a special visit from current and former members of the white watch, who brought along two fire engines.

David was also joined by his family, including two grandsons, for a gathering in the care home's pub.

David, a former fire service sub-officer, was surprised on the day by an appearance from the station commander, who was one of his old colleagues' sons.

"It was lovely to show my grandsons what I used to do and meet my friends," he said.

"It has really lifted my spirits since then, as some of my old friends are now visiting me, so I have gained so much more from that day.

"It brought us all back together.

"I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to the team at Bracknell and Ascot for bringing the fire engines and crew along, it meant so much."

The home manager at Bickerton House, Michael Pallister, said: "David is always sharing stories of his time as a firefighter so he loved seeing the fire engines and his old crew.

"Here at Bickerton House, we encourage activities that connect residents to their past."

He said the Wishing Tree initiative let residents to share their former lives and it was "hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality".

"We know how beneficial nostalgic experiences can be and for many, residents these experiences can provide a sense of purpose and improve well-being," he added.