Holidaying strangers post haka moves and proposals to care home's elderly

Travellers from as far away as New Zealand are writing postcards to a care home’s elderly - including instructions on how residents can carry out a traditional Maori war dance.

A care home in Burton Upon Trent has been overwhelmed by the kindness of hundreds of strangers on holiday this summer, who answered the home's Facebook call for postcards for its residents.

The Maori war dance haka is among the activities depicted on postcards and sent to elderly living at Cedar Court Dementia Care Home.

Staff posting on the care home's Facebook page said: '‘We’ve had this wonderful card from #NewZealand; we think this might be a fun activity for our residents to try.'

As well as generating much laughter and happy memories, some postcards brought on a few tears. One woman who took the time to gather postcards for the residents died before she had the chance to post them, leaving her grieving husband to deliver them in her memory.

Describing the deceased stranger, staff said: ‘These postcards are extra special. They were collected for our residents by a wonderful lady named Christine, who wanted to share the simple joy of a humble postcard with them. Sadly Christine passed away last week, before she had the chance to post them. Her husband very kindly, and thoughtfully sent them to us in her memory, as he knew how keen she was that we should have them.

‘This gesture at such a difficult time means so much; please know that we will treasure them and think of her as we look at them. Thank you, thank you for your time and grace.’

The residents, many of whom have dementia, were excited to receive a postcard featuring a proposal of marriage from one happy couple who got engaged at Paris's Eiffel Tower.

The care home said: ‘Our residents were absolutely thrilled to receive this postcard, which has captured a truly beautiful moment in time. We are so grateful that the senders chose to share it with us, and would like to wish them every happiness and lots of love’.

When not sending news about their own holidays, some people chose to write about what kind of summer their pets were having, with doggy tales featuring highly on the list.

George the Labrador is among the pampered pooches putting paw to paper to tell residents what they were up to.

Staff said: ‘Many of the cards we have received haven't come from holidaymakers, but from people (and animals) who live in some amazing places. We are travelling the world through your cards, and making some wonderful new friends!’

Even Elvis lovers got in on the act, with a postcard penned from ‘the King’s’ home Graceland.

Staff are now talking about needing 'a bigger wall' to display all of the postcards, following the success of the #postcardsofkindness appeal launched on 13 July.

Some postcards have been gifted to individual residents who have memories of visiting a particular place.

Staff said: ‘Receiving all of these lovely postcards has, and continues to be a wonderful experience for all involved. However, reading the words, looking at the pictures and talking about times gone by has a much bigger cognitive impact for our residents a Cedar Court DCH, than perhaps originally perceived.

‘We love to read your postcards. It doesn’t matter how old you are, or where you’re writing from; your words have meant everything to our residents.’

If you would like to send a postcard to the care home, as part of its #postcardsofkindness appeal, you can send it to: Cedar Court Care Home, Bretby Park, Bretby, Swadlincote, Derbyshire. DE15 0QX.

click here for more details or to contact Cedar Court Dementia Care Home