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A rather dashing older gentleman crashed our Christmas Party.

Armed with a personally hand-painted card and a box of Quality Street, a rather dashing older gentleman crashed our Christmas Party at the local hotel, to say a heartfelt thank you to ‘his Angels’. As it turns out, Bob was well-known to the Angel Carers team as we’d looked after his wonderful wife Carole for three years until her passing in August of this year. So, his impromptu visit was a delightful surprise, and he was immediately invited to join us for dinner – which he did with great relish and lots of funny stories.

Back in 2018 Carole was diagnosed with dementia and for a number of years Bob tried to nurse her on his own but gradually realised he could no longer cope.  Having been married for 55 years neither of them could be considered young. So, in 2021 Bob’s daughter called us in. Over the three years, the care we provided progressed as Carole’s condition advanced and she became bedridden.  

In the last 18 months we were providing care four times per day including personal care, medications, meals and short-break companionship – so Bob could have a well-deserved rest. Towards the end, Carole’s needs increased so the team had to work in pairs at each visit and Bob got to meet a lot of ‘Angels’. Carers he now considers ‘family’. He mentions being ‘overwhelmed with the compassion, warmth and kindness of the Angels he met’.

Eventually Carole was admitted to hospital where she passed away. And Bob who said, ‘her smile would light up a room’ was left to his grief and loneliness. Well – not quite! 

Despite the fact that we were no longer providing care, Bob was now part of the Angels ‘family’ and often rings the office to have a chat if he’s feeling down or stops one of us in the street to have a catch-up. 

His message at the party was clear:

“To all of the ANGELS who were so kind, patient and supportive, whilst tending my beautiful and wonderful wife Carole…. Thank you so much for your care”

Bob Hall