Wakefield care home resident celebrates picture perfect 102nd birthday
Hepworth House care home resident, Stanley Holmes, was overwhelmed to find that the Wakefield community had come together to celebrate his 102nd birthday.
Stanley, a former photographer and photography mentor, woke up on his birthday to find the care home’s lounge decorated with balloons and decorations.
Pupils from Crofton Infants School in Wakefield, and Saint Peters School in Stanley, had each sent Stanley a hand-made birthday card. The children also sent a voice recording, in which they sang ‘Happy Birthday’.
Stanley had a visit from Lawson Wright Studios in Wakefield, who specialise in portrait photography. When they heard Stanley had a background in photography, they couldn’t wait to meet him.
They taught Stanley how to use their photography equipment so that he could capture some beautiful memories on his special day. Founder and Director of Lawson Wright Studios, Andy Lawson, said,
‘It was an absolute pleasure to meet Stanley on his birthday and see the interest he still has in photography. We could have chatted for hours. It was amazing to see him using our cameras and he loved that you can review your images immediately on the screen!
‘Thanks to all the Hepworth House staff who ‘happily’ volunteered to be models. Helping Stanley get some fantastic shots on his birthday was a real honour. We even managed to get Stanleys’ first selfie!’
Stanley’s birthday didn’t end there as he was joined by fellow residents, friends and family for a birthday party.
Wakefield-based singer, Andy Lloyd, provided entertainment for the celebration, singing Stanley’s favourite songs from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Andy said,
‘Any preconceptions you might have about a man being 102 years old should be put aside – Stanley is very much “with it” and a real character.
‘Stanley’s family were very welcoming to me and the afternoon was one of love and great friendship.’
Helen Batty, the Home Manager at Hepworth House, said,
‘It was an honour to be part of Stanley’s 102nd birthday, and we’re so glad we could make this day memorable for him. Thank you to everyone who helped us to give Stanley an incredible birthday!’
Stanley was over the moon with his celebrations and said, ‘I’m overwhelmed with how thoughtful everyone has been to make my birthday so special.’
When asked what his secret to living a long life was, Stanley said he had ‘partied well over the years.’
Hepworth House in Stanley is a purpose-built, luxury residential and dementia care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. All 66 bedrooms are en-suite, enabling the home to deliver person-centred care in a dignified manner.
For more information, call 01924 973 699, email hepworth.house@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk. You can follow Hepworth House on Facebook for daily updates and news.