Dementia care home residents get revved up for motorbike surprise

Abigail Kinsella

3 July 2024 at 0:00 am·1-min read

Fernhill resident Nigel Gullis has a hands-on look at a bike with, from left: Companionship Team Leader Cara Duroe, Nurse Agi Ciok and Home Manager Francis Bosompim. <i>(Image: Colten Care)</i> — Fernhill resident Nigel Gullis has a hands-on look at a bike with, from left: Companionship Team Leader Cara Duroe, Nurse Agi Ciok and Home Manager Francis Bosompim. *(Image: Colten Care)*

A DORSET care home dedicated to supporting those with dementia surprised residents with a memorable biking event.

Racing motorbike group Grumpy Grandads and the Top Hat Riders collaborated to bring smiles to residents at Colten Care’s Fernhill Care Home.

Residents and staff admired 15 scooters and eight motorbikes, ridden by a mix of parka-wearing mods and leather-clad rockers.

One resident in particular, Nigel, was reminded of his good old days with his motorcycle.

Companionship team leader Cara Duroe said: “Nigel has always loved and owned motorbikes and cars, classic and modern.

“He has belonged to motorbike and car clubs all his life and once restored a classic car.

“He has owned a BSA and a Royal Enfield bike and when he was an engineer in the army in the desert around Aden, he had an Italian Moto Guzzi bike.

“It was on this bike that he toured France with his wife Ann on the back. Nigel had many touring holidays abroad with his friends too.

“He also gained a private pilot’s licence and owned a light aircraft.

“In conversation with us, he made it clear he would love to see a bike again and have a cold beer and a barbecue, so we did our best to make it happen for him.”

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