Care home resident travels 300 miles to see his granddaughter marry

A Dorset care home resident took a two-and-a-half-hour taxi ride accompanied by a care home worker to see his granddaughter get married.

Frank Campbell, 93, made the journey from Fernhill in Ferndown to the Bedfordshire village of Felmersham, accompanied by care worker Ann Marie Knight.

Mr Campbell’s family had expressed a heartfelt wish that he could be there in person when his granddaughter Jessica got married but knew the distance, coupled with his age and health needs, would make it a challenge and asked if any team members at Fernhill would be prepared to escort him to make it possible.

Ms Knight said: “I came forward as I knew I would love to do this for Frank and he would be so pleased to attend such a precious family occasion.

The trip took two-and-a-half hours where they arrived in time for the wedding which took place at Felmersham’s St Mary’s Church.

“When we got to the church, we found we were seated right at the front. Frank’s comment was ‘how lovely’ and when he saw Jessica, he said how beautiful she looked. She beamed him a big smile when she was at the top of the aisle.”

With everyone following Covid-safe guidance, Mr Campbell and Jessica were able to take some time together between the ceremony and the start of the reception, held at the 17th century Bedfordshire manor house and events venue Tofte Manor.

Ann Marie said: “They had a hug and a brief kiss on the cheek as the guests were gathering in the garden. It was such a beautiful moment. He looked so smart in his suit. Then all his family gathered round to see him and speak with him. His children said it made the whole family’s day to have Frank there, a really special ingredient of the wedding.”

After the reception, Mr Campbell and Ms Knight made the long return journey to Fernhill in the same taxi, eventually arriving back at 10pm.

“He was tired but so pleased to have been a part of such a special day,” Ms Knight added. “The family all made me feel so welcome too. They were so kind and considerate.”

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