Charity, Health & Lifestyle | Posted on June 10th, 2024 | return to news
97-year-old revives his passion for tracks at Swanage Railway
A 97-year-old man rode the Swanage Railway steam train on his first day out in three years, arranged by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.
A 97-year-old Swanage resident has gone on his first day out in three years, riding the steam train and visiting Corfe Model Village, thanks to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.
Pulford Publicity’s charity of the year, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, arranged the unforgettable day for Gordon, 97, in collaboration with Swanage Railway and Corfe Model Village.
Gordon has nurtured a lifelong passion for trains and locomotives, a love kindled by his train driver father. Gordon moved to Swanage 12 years ago, after a holiday to the seaside town organised by his son following the passing of his wife, Peggie, in 2012. At the time, Gordon enjoyed an active lifestyle, exploring the town, travelling to see trains, and living independently.
However, an accident three years ago dramatically altered Gordon’s life. After falling and breaking his hip, Gordon became housebound and experienced profound loneliness. Gordon said: “The last time I tried to leave the house, my whole body was shaking and trembling, I couldn’t control it and I ended up in hospital, it was really scary.”
For the past three years, Gordon has only left his house for hospital visits or to attend Lewis-Manning’s Day Hospice. His condition recently deteriorated, preventing him from travelling to the Day Hospice. Consequently, the team at Lewis-Manning now visit him regularly at home to provide care and support his wellbeing.
To lift Gordon’s spirits and give him something special to look forward to, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care arranged to take him for a day out on the Swanage Railway steam train line.
The hospice team reached out to Swanage Railway, who generously provided tickets for Gordon and Lewis-Manning nurses, Ellie and Paula, to ride the train through Purbeck.
Gordon was greeted by the team at Swanage Railway and was thrilled to see the unique Victorian London and Southwestern Railway T3 class steam locomotive No. 563 arrive. Gordon revelled in taking photographs from the window, enjoying the countryside views.
The journey included a stop at Corfe and the Model Village attraction where he was welcomed back by staff who remembered Gordon fondly from his previous visits.
Reflecting on the day, Gordon expressed his gratitude saying, “Thank you so much to Lewis-Manning. It’s my first day out in three years. This is the best day I have had in years! I can’t believe the experience that I’ve had, and I was so wonderfully looked after and supported by the nurses, Ellie and Paula. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to leave my home.”
Purbeck Nurse Ellie Suthers said, “This special and unique outing highlights Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for their patients, ensuring they experience joy and fulfilment.
“The collaboration with Swanage Railway and the Model Village showcases the profound impact of community support in helping to make dreams come true. A huge thank you to everyone for helping to make Gordon’s dream possible, it was a real joy to spend the time with him and witness his delight.”
Swanage Railway Trust Chairman Frank Roberts said: “We were delighted to welcome 97-year-old Gordon, and his Lewis-Manning nurses, to the Swanage Railway. It was lovely to see that Gordon had not lost his great love of, and enthusiasm for, steam trains. Sharing the enjoyment of the Swanage Railway — which has been rebuilt from nothing since 1976 by dedicated volunteers — is what our work is all about.”
For more information about Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and their services, visit www.lewis-manning.org.uk.
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