Betty fulfils life-long dream to go skating

BETTY Thompson, a resident at Baily House Care Home in Mansfield, has finally realised her life-long dream to go ice skating at the age of 98.

Staff took Betty to the Lammas Leisure Centre in Sutton where she had the ice rink to herself and was able fulfil her long-held wish at last.

Betty is severely visually impaired and the team had noticed that she had become quieter in recent weeks.

In a bid to encourage her social side the dedicated ‘Ambitions’ team discussed her life-long dreams with her.

Betty revealed that as a child, and through-out life, she had always wanted to ice skate, but her family could not afford it and her mother said, ‘people like us don’t waste money on such things.’ Betty believed her but never lost the desire to get on the ice.

Her mood entirely changed as soon as she knew her wish would be coming true, she was up-beat and excited and couldn’t wait to get on the ice.

On the day she was pushed in her wheelchair around the rink by Jenna Hemmings for as long as she wished.

“We are delighted to have been able to help Betty achieve her dream,” said home manager Ashley Baird.

“The team go out of their way to get