Redwalls residents lift spirits of 101-year-old to launch their Choose Kindness campaign

A care home resident has been quick on the draw to lift the spirits of a lonely RAF veteran who is celebrating his 101st birthday tomorrow (19th of August).

Staff and residents at Redwalls Nursing Home, in Weaverham Road, Sandiway, resolved to put the gloom of the pandemic behind them by launching a “Choose Kindness” campaign, spreading love and lifting the spirits of both friends and strangers.

Their first chance to act came when they read about the sad plight of Halifax care home resident Jack Annall who was devastated he would not be sharing his 101st birthday with his daughter Mary who lives in Australia and was trapped there by coronavirus.

Vicky Gudgin, manager at Sandholme Fold Care Home where he lives, launched a successful nationwide appeal for the public to send him cards – but residents at Redwalls thought they could make his birthday even more special.

Redwalls’ activities coordinator Jodie Solaiman said: “When I contacted Vicky she told me that he used to work on Mosquito planes when he was in the RAF and he is also an artist.

“I immediately thought of our plane-obsessed RAF veteran, 89-year-old John Weedall!  John was delighted to do a painting of a Mosquito plane especially for Jack.

“He spent hours sketching and then painting with water colours. It’s in the post and should arrive in time! Happy Birthday Jack!”

Miss Solaiman said the lockdowns had been tough for residents and their families but everyone now wanted to put the pandemic behind them.

She said: “We thought it would be lovely to brighten people’s lives with our Choose Kindness campaign. If you know someone we can help please contact me at the home.”

Find out more about Redwalls nursing home