Christmas display lights up Hope House care home

Residents of Hope House care home, on Rishton Road, Clayton-le-Moors, were treated to a winter wonderland after deputy manager Jade Wheatcroft raised £630 walking the Yorkshire three peaks.

The money has been used to light up the garden for residents to give them a good Christmas after being trapped inside for most of the year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Manager of Hope House, Cathy Yates said: “The residents had the best time and they didn’t stop smiling. They were just amazed, you could see it in their faces.

“It means so much to us. Over the Covid-19 period we have not been able to do what we normally would do.

“I feel it has brought so much joy to the home.

“The residents had a fantastic time and I am so happy we have been able to do this thanks to Jade.”

On the day of the reveal, the staff closed the curtains to the back garden while it was being set up to keep it a surprise.

After the big reveal, the residents sang Christmas songs together to get themselves in the festive spirit.

The 37 residents of the care home range in ages with the youngest aged 47 while the oldest is 101.

Jade wanted to raise the money this year as she knows how hard it has been for the residents to not see their family due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and wanted to do something that would put a smile on their face.

Cathy continued: “Jade has done really well - she couldn’t walk the next day but she said she didn’t mind the blisters on her feet because it meant that residents were going to have a great time.”

The festive makeover includes a snowflake projector, light up reindeers and penguins, stars, trees and lights which have been put all around the garden.

Tier 3 restrictions now allow family members to visit care homes but they must be behind substantial screens, in visiting pods, or as window visits.

If indoor visits are organised, only two family members of friends who have been tested and are wearing PPE can visit the care home.