Thorp House resident thanks staff

A resident at Thorp House nursing home in Griston, near Watton thanked staff “who saved my life” during an emotional Baptism service.

Michael Harper, 53, was given only four months to live when he moved into the Kingsley Healthcare home in June last year due to irreversible liver damage.

Since arriving at Thorp House the former nursery school worker has beaten his alcohol addiction and activities coordinator Marcia Hughes has helped him work through a bucket list of wishes, which included reconnecting with old friends and giving his mother a Mother’s Day to remember.

Mrs Hughes said: “Michael always had a faith but during his time here he has built up his spiritual connection with the church and wanted to be baptised.”

The Baptism service was conducted by the Rev Michaela Sorenson, of St Mary’s Church, and was witnessed by Mr Harper’s mother Doris and sister Jacqueline Biffen as well as staff.

The room was decorated with flowers from the garden and Mr Harper, who formerly lived in Dereham, was blessed with Holy Water from Lourdes.

He was presented with a certificate and a gift of a rosary made of olive wood from Walsingham that was collected especially for him by the Rev Michaela.

Mr Harper wrote his own Baptism prayer in which he thanks God “for coming into my life – when I wasn’t even looking”.

The prayer goes on: “I pray for my two sons and my lovely granddaughter, my friends and, most of all, I’d like to thank the staff at Thorp House who saved my life.”

Mrs Hughes said: “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The Rev Michaela found the occasion very emotional and said she felt the love in Thorp House.”

Following the Baptism, the Rev Michaela gave Holy Communion to staff and Shirley Worby, another of the home’s residents.

Find out more about Thorp House nursing home

Author: Stephen Pullinger