97-year-old care home volunteer at Bradley Hall, Tony Bradley MBE, was ‘very surprised’ when residents and staff threw him a party for his retirement.
Tony first became a volunteer at Bradley Hall, then named Beaumont Hall, in 2017 after his wife, Renelle, moved in.
Renelle sadly passed away in 2020, but Tony continued to visit the residents in the home, volunteering to organise different activities with them as well as supporting several charities in the area.
87-year-old resident, Margaret Manship, said, ‘Tony is very kind and always cracks a joke. He always has a smile and he’s never grumpy – I always enjoyed his bingo on a Thursday.’
In December 2021, Tony was ‘utterly shocked’ to receive a letter informing him that he would be honoured by HM Queen Elizabeth II in her New Year Honours. Tony was appointed MBE for his services to the community in January 2022.
The same year, the staff and residents at Beaumont Hall made the decision to rename the care home after Tony as a thank you for his kindness, hence the home was named Bradley Hall.
Now, after six years of entertainment and fun at Bradley Hall, Tony is retiring to put his feet up. During his surprise retirement party, Tony said,
‘I thought I was coming in to do bingo, I’m very surprised! I’ve loved the music and watching everyone dance – I don’t think my retirement has sunk in yet.
‘I’ve been involved in care for the past 50 years, and Bradley Hall is one of the best I’ve ever found. I hope to come and visit everyone again very soon.’
Sarah Clark, the Home Manager at Bradley Hall, added, ‘Tony will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone here at Bradley Hall. He has been a pleasure to work and grow with, and he’s so loved by the residents and team.
‘We wish him a relaxed and happy retirement, and he’ll always be welcome at Bradley Hall!’
To find out more about Bradley Hall or how you can volunteer, please call 0116 232 3291, email Bradley.hall@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk.
Bradley Hall, operated by Ideal Carehomes, has 60 en-suite bedrooms, enabling staff to deliver person-centred care in a dignified manner, promoting independence as far as possible. Bradley Hall is rated ‘GOOD’ by the CQC (Care Quality Commission) and offers an all-inclusive fee to give residents and their loved ones peace of mind.