Wallace Leventhal, 87, a resident at Jewish Care’s Vi & John Rubens House, was unable to attend his grandson Hayden’s wedding in england/north-west/cheshire/”>Cheshire. Upon hearing this from his daughter Kim, social care coordinator Jacklin Stephenson and the staff quickly organised a special event to bring the celebration to him.
Transforming the Care Home
The team transformed part of the care home in hill-wales/”>hill/”>Gants Hill into a wedding venue, complete with a chuppah (Jewish wedding canopy), balloons, flowers, and refreshments. Staff and residents dressed up for the occasion, and a full mock ceremony was held, allowing Wallace to share in the joy of his grandson’s special day.
Joyful Celebration
Jacklin expressed her delight, stating, “For me, it was fantastic that he was able to join the wedding via Zoom. But to recreate the wedding here was fabulous, so I was thrilled. For many of our residents who Havenhaven’t seen or been to a wedding recently, it was such a joy.” She added that moments like these help residents reminisce about happy times in their own lives.
Emotional Moments
The bride, Jemma, shared her thoughts: “I thought it was such a lovely idea to recreate our wedding for Wallace. It meant so much for Hayden and me to celebrate our wedding with him.” Jemma’s parents, Amanda and Paul Becker, travelled from Manchester to attend the celebration.
Wallace was visibly moved by the day, stating, “It was excellent, I found it very moving. Everything went very well, and the staff were very kind. There was a first-class atmosphere. Family means a lot, and I’m pleased that I live in a home where the staff care so much. I think that I’m very fortunate.” After the ceremony, guests enjoyed afternoon tea in the sunshine, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow residents.
