A 96-year-old resident at Ponbay Lodge care home in Hastings had his lifelong dream fulfilled after a chance visit with a group of sports car enthusiasts led to an unforgettable experience.
The resident, Ivor Cook, had recently shared with staff that one of his biggest wishes was to sit behind the wheel of a sports car.
In a twist of fate, five sports cars unexpectedly arrived at Ponbay Lodge after their drivers took a wrong turn while heading out for a countryside drive and lunch at a local pub.
Staff members spotted the collection of vehicles pulling into the car park and went outside to check everything was alright. The drivers simply needed a place to turn around, but staff seized the opportunity to ask whether resident Ivor might be able to sit in one of the cars.
The drivers we happy to help, showing off their impressive cars, which included two Ferraris and a Porsche. They invited Ivor to sit behind the wheel of a Ferrari, rev the engine and even enjoy a thrilling passenger ride.
Ivor said, “I was pleasantly surprised when I was asked if I wanted to see a Ferrari, which I confirmed I would love to, and when I went outside to find there were five sports cars it was such a surprise.
“Then when the door to one of the Ferraris opened and I was invited to sit in it and tweak the engine a bit, I was made up. It was a shock how loud it was and then when the driver asked if I would like to go for a ride in it, I was over the moon.
“The acceleration on it was extraordinary and almost put me in the boot! When I got back to Ponbay Lodge, the driver asked me my age, and I told him I was 96 years old. He couldn’t believe it and said I looked amazing for my age. He said it was a pleasure to be able to let me have a ride in his car and fulfil my dream.”
Zac Hampshire-Jones, General Manager at Ponbay Lodge said:
“Sometimes the most memorable moments happen completely by chance. Seeing Ivor’s reaction was incredibly special, and we are so grateful to the drivers for their kindness and generosity. They turned a simple wrong turn into a day that Ivor, and all of us at Ponbay Lodge, will never forget.”
You can find out more about Ponbay Lodge during the home’s weekly Tea on Tuesday event, where all are welcome from 10:30AM to enjoy refreshments and freshly baked treats with the residents. Tea on Tuesday takes place at Ponbay Lodge on The Ridge, Hastings, TN34 2AE.
For more information call 01424 533454, email [email protected] or visit the Ponbay Lodge webpage.
