Swanholme Court Care Home in Lincoln, located just ten minutes from Hartsholme Country Park, recently made a heartfelt wish come true for resident Anna by bringing her family together to celebrate her birthday.
As part of Country Court Care’s Make-A-Wish initiative, which runs across all Country Court care and nursing homes, residents are supported to share and fulfil a personal wish that means the most to them. When Anna’s daughter, Sharon, learned about the initiative, she immediately knew what her mum would wish for. Family has always been at the heart of Anna’s life, so with this in mind, Bethany, Wellbeing Coordinator at Swanholme Court, began planning a special family gathering to mark the occasion.
The celebration took place at the Letters Inn pub at sister home Eccleshare Court, where Anna and her loved ones enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea. The food was prepared by Chef Manager Noel Claveria and his team from Swanholme Court and Eccleshare Court, alongside a beautiful birthday cake lovingly made by chef Hicran. The afternoon was filled with smiles, conversation and precious moments shared together.
Reflecting on her mum’s life, Sharon shared these touching words, describing Anna as “The Heart of Our Family.”
Anna was born in December 1946 in the picturesque town of Villach, Austria. Her story, though rooted in another country, truly began when she was just a few months old, bundled in her mother’s arms as they made their way to the UK. Her mother carried a small suitcase, packed with only what she could manage, but within that humble journey lay the beginnings of a life defined by love, resilience and family.
The eldest of nine children, Anna quickly learned what it meant to care for others. Growing up in poverty, there were many times when there wasn’t quite enough to go around — except for love. “We often went without,” she would say, “but we were never short of love.” That warmth and nurturing spirit became a defining part of who she was and shaped the way she lived her life.
Family meant everything to Anna. She had a natural mothering instinct and a gift for bringing people together. Sharon fondly recalls bustling family gatherings at her grandmother’s house, with standing room only, laughter filling every corner and everyone exchanging Christmas presents. Nothing expensive, but nobody was ever left out. Even as the family grew and the house felt smaller each year, the love only grew stronger.
When Anna’s mother passed away, she gently stepped into her role as the family’s anchor. Without being asked, she remembered every birthday and milestone, sending a card to each child, grandchild and even great-grandchild.
Anna was also wonderfully creative. She loved knitting, sewing and painting, and each new family arrival was welcomed with something lovingly handmade. Her creativity shone brightest when she made Sharon’s wedding dress, as well as bridesmaids’ dresses for her siblings.
Before becoming a grandmother, Anna worked as an auxiliary nurse, a role perfectly suited to her gentle and compassionate nature. Once grandchildren arrived, her focus shifted once again to the family she cherished so deeply.
In recent years, Anna has been living with dementia and Alzheimer’s and has been a resident at Swanholme Court for the past eighteen months. Sharon shares that the hardest part has been seeing her mum struggle to communicate, especially as she always had so much to say. There are times when Anna does not recognise those she loves most, and her creative spark has faded. Yet even now, a smile, a gentle hug or a squeeze of the hand is a reminder that she is still very much Anna — a mum, a grandmother, and the heart of their family.
Lisa Dent, Home Manager at Swanholme Court, said:
“It was wonderful to see Anna surrounded by her family on her birthday. The room was filled with love and laughter, and being able to make her wish come true was truly heartwarming. Moments like these are so important for our residents and their families.”
For more information about life at Swanholme Court Care Home, please contact Lisa Dent on 01522 689 400 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com.
