An 89-year-old care home resident living with dementia has been reunited with a lifelong passion after returning to the archery club – more than 40 years after he last picked up a bow.
Local man, Colin Andrew, who lives at Hunters Creek care home in Boston, Lincolnshire had one simple wish when staff asked residents what they would most like to do as part of the home’s ‘Make a Wish’ initiative – to play archery again.
Determined to make it happen, the team at Hunters Creek tracked down the Lincolnshire club that Colin was once a member at.
Despite living with dementia, Colin immediately recognised the familiar surroundings of the Friskney Bowmen Archery Club and instinctively remembered how to put on his own hand and arm guard before taking to the range.
Deputy home manager at Hunters Creek, Edgars Rezanovs said, “Colin’s natural focus and enjoyment were clear for everyone to see, and the club was so pleased to have him back that members made him an honorary member following the visit.”
Asked what he thought of the experience afterwards, Colin smiled and said, “Yeah, that’s good.“
Colin’s wife, Nancy, was amazed to hear how much he remembered during the visit.
She said, “I honestly didn’t expect Colin to remember the club or what to do because of his dementia.
“Hearing that he recognised everything, remembered how to put on his equipment and was so focused was such a lovely surprise. It means so much to know he was able to reconnect with something that brought him so much happiness.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Hunters Creek and Friskney Bowmen Archery Club for making it possible.”
Colin moved into Hunters Creek, an 88-bed care home in Boston in December 2021, where staff regularly organise personalised experiences designed to reconnect residents with treasured memories, hobbies and lifelong passions.
Deputy home manager, Edgars added, “When Colin told us his wish was to return to his old archery club, we knew we had to do everything we could to make it happen. Seeing him back in an environment that meant so much to him was incredibly special.
“It was wonderful to watch him become so focused and content. You could see how naturally everything came back to him, and the smiles on his face said it all.
“Moments like these remind us just how powerful meaningful experiences can be for people living with dementia, and we’re so grateful to Friskney Bowmen Archery Club for giving Colin such a warm welcome.”
Members of Friskney Bowmen Archery Club said it was a pleasure to welcome Colin back and were delighted to see him reconnect with a hobby that had played such an important role in his life.
The visit is one of a series of wishes being fulfilled through Hunters Creek’s ‘Make a Wish’ initiative, which aims to help residents relive memories, revisit favourite places and enjoy new experiences that are personal and meaningful to them.
