RESIDENTS from a local care home were treated to an afternoon of sun and sand in Blackpool.

The trip was organised by the Coniston House Manager Donna Marsden and Activities Coordinator, Katie Brenneis, who wanted to do something memorable for resident Mary, who was marking her 90th birthday. 

The request included one more dance at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool. 

Donna said: “We always celebrate birthdays, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy themselves and that the star of the day has a brilliant memory, but milestones like a 90th have to be much more. 

“We asked Mary what was something we could do for her that she would absolutely love and the answer was a dance at Blackpool Tower.

So we organised a big trip for Mary and some of her close friends to enjoy a dance and a day out on the seaside.” 

The trip for the Chorley based care home residents and staff included a tour of the stunning Tower Ballroom where residents enjoyed a waltz across the ornate dancefloor. 

Donna added: “It was an amazing sight, there was so much love and joy and emotion in the room, strangers in the distance witnessing Mary dancing with such vigour at 90. 

“There were cheers, tears and a lot of amazing people who were happy to let Mary have her moment. We loved every second of the day but this was definitely a highlight.” 

Lancashire Telegraph:

Katie said: “Everyone loves the seaside, especially those of an older generation who have nostalgia for the British seaside towns. 

“Everything seemed to align at the perfect time, we love being able to do more and head to nostalgic locations or try new experiences.

"It really does lift the spirits of everybody, to be able to go out safely into the world and enjoy the beautiful weather.

“We changed our route on the way back, initially we were going to head straight home but we decided against it, a few more moments to really take a last look at the day. So, we drove across the seafront. It was very special and really cemented the day from start to finish as an incredible experience.” 

Coniston House is part of the Rochcare Group, a family-run care provider that owns four care homes and a domiciliary care service across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.