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Ferndown care home resident sets sail again
The 87-year-old, Rory Morrison, had the chance to take to the water once again with New Forest Sailability.
A Ferndown care home resident, who in her younger years sailed around the world on an epic five-year journey with her husband, had the chance to get on the water again recently.
Rory Morrison, 87, now lives at Care UK’s Ferndown Manor, on Golf Links Road.
In 2002, Rory’s love of the water led her to become the sailing captain at New Forest Sailability, which provides dingy sailing for people with disabilities. During her time with the organisation, she recruited and trained more than 80 new volunteers.
Rory was awarded an MBE in 2012 for her tireless and dedicated work attracting volunteers to help run the sailing days, and for her fundraising efforts.
She said: “I was shocked – I really didn’t believe it for a very long time. It was like a fairy story.
“Over the years we were able to get many people to forget their disabilities on the water. Some then went on to race and one was even a member of the training squad for the 2012 Paralympics.
“That was the most satisfying part of the role.”
She continued taking part in the thrilling sport until she was 80, naturally taking a slower pace.
Rory said: “My love of water has always been there because I was born near the sea. For me, sailing and being around water provides life’s most relaxing and magical moments.”
Knowing how important this hobby has been throughout Rory’s life, Ferndown Manor team members organised a trip to New Forest Sailability to reawaken some fond memories.
On the day, Rory was able to sail across Spinnaker Lake and was an expert on the water. She navigated the sail, while sharing her boating knowledge and best tips, including: “Always be aware of your position in the water and those of others.”
Rory added: “These days I often forget events and names of people, but I will never forget this day.”
Sinead Bedrijczuk, lifestyle lead at Ferndown Manor, said: “We are so pleased to have fulfilled Rory’s wish to go sailing again – she is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the sport, and we knew we had to do something special.
“We always encourage residents to continue to enjoy their favourite pastimes and share memories that hold a special importance to them, as it is a great way to elicit reminiscence and social interaction. It was hugely rewarding to make Rory’s wish a reality.
“I’d like to extend a big thank you to Sailability.”
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