To commemorate our 10-year anniversary, which is coming up this September, we have put together 10 amazing facts about the incredible people who make up the Residents and Staff at Colliers Croft.
It wasn’t until we started asking around to see who had an amazing fact about themselves that we discovered what an extraordinary group of individuals we have at our Care Home in Haydock.
We know that every Care Home has its stories, but we think that some of these are extremely special….
1. Irene Johnson: A Tireless Volunteer
Our resident Irene used to be a member of Soroptimist International, a global women’s volunteer movement that works to transform lives. They had premises facing the old Hippodrome in St. Helens, which provided a drop-in centre for the homeless and people struggling with addiction. The centre provided somewhere for them to sleep and provided fresh clothes.
Through her volunteering, Irene became very close to many of the homeless people in St. Helens. She also volunteered at Haydock St. Marks, helping out for the charity T.A.N.G.O. (Together as neighbours giving out) who support many causes in the local community.
2. Harry Ody and Jean Wreshak: All about the Saints Rugby Legends!
Harry is a legend of the local rugby league scene. He is the oldest living player from the local Clock Face Rugby Team, which he played for in the 1950s. Harry also had a stint playing professionally for the Saints. He recently became very famous after a visit to his old ground.
Jean’s cousin Albert Terry played for the Saints Rugby Team in the 1950s. His picture is now proudly displayed at the rugby ground on the Wall of Fame as one of the all-time greats.
3. Doris Shields: 104 This Year!
Doris, who is our oldest resident at the wonderful age of 104, was very good friends with Lady Pilkington and worked alongside her helping a visual impairment group. Doris’ husband was a Major in the Second World War. Being a military wife didn’t curtail Doris’ sense of style – she spent her later years driving around in a bright red Porsche.
4. Donna Frayne: Youth Football Superstar
Our Deputy Manager Donna Frayne started her football career at St. Helens Town, going on to try out at Everton when she was 13. She went on to be Vice-Captain and helped them win the league and cup double in their first season. Donna carried on playing until she was 17 and used to play alongside Sue Smith who is now a Sky Sports Pundit.
5. Janet Holden: Helping Orphans in Romania
Our resident, Janet, set up a charity in 1989 when the plight of the Romanian orphanages first came to the public’s attention. Each year she organised and accompanied a convoy of donations and medical supplies, visiting orphanages across Romania. As a result of her amazing charity work, she was invited to the Queen’s Garden Party. She has also travelled the world and trekked through the Himalayas at 60.
6. Ann Adamson has a ticklish reminder of a big celebrity!
Ann is the proud owner of a tickling stick … signed and given to her by the wonderful comedian and singer Ken Dodd!
7. Grenadier Ken
Our resident Ken was a Grenadier Guard in the army in the 1950s. The Grenadier Guards are the most senior infantry regiment of the British Army and best known for wearing Bearskins! On retirement Ken joined the Association of the Grenadier Guards and has travelled all over the world with them.
8. Kate Raymond: Artist
Our lovely Carer Kate is an extremely talented artist. She’s sold many of her artworks in Pennsylvania and you can see more of her lovely artworks on her Facebook Page.
9. Margaret Traverse: Pioneering Heart Surgery Patient
Margaret was only the second person in the country to have open heart surgery. She was in her early 20s at the time and had a hole in her heart. After her surgery, she was advised not to have children, due to the strain it could put on her heart. However, she was determined to be a mother and is the extremely proud Mum of an only son, who is her pride and joy.
10. Louise Walker: Powerhouse Fundraiser for Team Freddy
Louise, our Activities Coordinator helped to form a the charity ‘Team Freddy’ with friends and the parents of her godson after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. So far they have raised £8000 towards the new Alder Hey Hospital by completing the Coniston Challenge. The challenge involves hiking up Old Man Coniston, a 15km bike ride through Grizedale Forest and 6km kayak across lake Coniston, all in one day! Louise has also taken part in the Liverpool Half Marathon whilst other members of ‘Team Freddy’ did a skydive and bike rides. Freddy, who is an ambassador for the Charity, has his handprint on the roof of the new hospital and continues to raise money.
This September we will be celebrating our 10 Year Anniversary and all the very special people who make up our Care Home, both the ones above and everyone else that goes to make our lovely community, at our big Anniversary party on the 2nd September.
We look forward to seeing all our residents’ relatives and the friends of Colliers Croft Care Home for a wonderful day of fun – with live music, a bouncy castle, face painter, ice cream van, stalls, a candy cart, BBQ, traditional fairground games and a cake sale!
Come along and meet all our Superstars!