The Hogsback Chapter return to the Inpatient Unit to make special memories for patients and their loved ones
22nd May 2024
< BACK TO NEWSMembers of the Hogsback Chapter in Guildford returned last week to our Inpatient Unit in Dorchester to take patients, wellbeing session attendees, visitors and staff out for a ride on their Harley Davidson bikes and trikes. The chapter have been kindly offering this experience for Weldmar Hospicecare since 2019.
Wilda thoroughly enjoyed the morning, she said “It was absolutely fantastic. It was exhilarating, I’ve never done anything like this before. They were so kind and gentle, he kept talking to me all the way through to make sure I was happy and I wasn’t frightened. It’s just so unbelievable!”
Rosemary had had the opportunity to go out on the trike, picking it as yellow is her favourite colour, she said “It was a wonderful time again as it was last year, and the crowd here has been lovely. The drivers are brilliant and it is very good that they come to share this. Last year it was the highlight of my week and I think this year it was more than that”
It was a special day for everyone watching as well as those taking part, with nursing staff able to accompany a patient in their bed so that they could also enjoy the memorable moment.
Dave Hardcastle, Secretary for the Hogsback Chapter, led the rides, he said “We have a route we usually take, up to the A354 then down towards Weymouth – nothing too taxing but the return ride gives us an opportunity to “let loose the horses” if our pillions are up to it. There’s always a bit of apprehension – “are they enjoying it, are we scaring them”, but always, when we get back, the comments and happy faces of our passengers remind us how worthwhile and enjoyable the whole day is.
“To be able to come down and do this for the staff, the families and the patients it means a lot to us. We have been doing this for a number of years and it is one of the high points of the calendar – we will be back!”
Erin Lewis, Wellbeing Support Coordinator, is extremely grateful to the chapter for giving up their time, she said “We had a wonderful visit from our friends, the Hogsback chapter today! Thoroughly enjoyed by patients, carers, bereaved relatives and staff. Lots of smiles were spread today and some adventurous ambitions ticked off too.”
Thank you again to the Hogsback Chapter