Jacqui Woolgar had always harboured a desire to ride in a helicopter and her dream came true 

Jacqui, originally from Fareham, is a resident at the Hilton Park care home, in Bottisham, and when staff found out her wish, they worked to make it a reality.

Jacqui, and her late husband Robert, relocated from West Sussex to be near their daughter, Jane, whilst Jacqui was recovering from cancer.

During Jacqui's recovery and following Robert’s Alzheimer's diagnosis, they both moved to Hilton Park whilst Robert resided in nearby Oaklands until he passed away during the Covid pandemic in 2020.

Her adventurous spirit was partly inspired from Robert, who served in the Royal Navy for many decades including serving on the Ark Royal, and led her to travel extensively around the world. Previously, Jacqui worked at the Foreign Commonwealth Office in London and organised fundraisers for a cardiac charity.

When Jenny, the home's activity Lead, discovered Jacqui's longing to ride in a helicopter again, she took it upon herself to fulfil Jacqui's wish.

The staff at Hilton Park were thrilled to be part of making her dream come true, understanding the significance it held for her. 

In response to this wonderful surprise, Jacqui, said: “I was on the verge of tears. It is such an amazing feeling to know that such a loving group of people care so much about me that they helped me to live out a dream – and I didn’t even ask.”

Geanina Tinca, general manager at Hilton Park, said: “We believe that every moment is worth cherishing.

"We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here at Hilton Park. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team here in making our residents’ dreams come true.

"It was wonderful to see how happy Jacqui was – and the staff loved being a part of this as well.”